Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for.

John Keating, Dead Poet’s Society

My reflection for the day is a poem I wrote a few days ago as I reflected on mine and others’ experiences at the Cologne Cathedral. I hope you enjoy!

How can I be expected to breathe

At a time like this?

Afflicted I come into a space

Fear will not accept me.

Who am I, just a commonplace

Pilgrim, a drop in the faithful sea?

I am not unique.

I’m nothing sublime.

I’d describe my existence as bleak

And typical of my time.

I’m simply one of many,

A product of a culture

That I’ve not questioned (never thought of any

Question), yet still adored.

I’ve done it all but I don’t feel

As if I belong.

Correctly hammering, but the peal

Of heavenly bells won’t sound the song

I’m supposed to hear.

Haven’t I sought the King

As diligently as those three?

I feel it long before I see it,

But I see it from afar.

It takes but little to intuit

That I’m following a star.

I am small.

For a moment, I cease to exist.

I’ve heard of the pious

Who walk on their knees

Into the sacred. I’ve never been so jealous

Of scraped, bruised, scabbed knees

Because those times are past,

But this place deserves it.

I’ve never been asked

If I believe in being smitten

At first sight. Now, I do.

It’s all so much more

Than I am.

How can I be expected to breathe

At a time like this?

A voice is simple and direct.

I sit and quickly kneel.

This place has been erected

For much more than earthly appeal.

It’s for me, a face in a crowd.

Also, for those grander than myself.

They become humble, quiet over loud.

I become exalted, chosen by God Himself

To enter His presence

And feel His divinity.

Somehow, God knows me and

Wants me here.

How can I be expected to breathe

At a time like this?

Cathedral

“A cathedral is the seat of the bishop and a centre of worship and mission. The primary purpose of a cathedral is to be a place of Christian worship but it is also often the oldest building in continuous use in its surrounding area and of significance to the heritage, culture and community life of the area it serves.”

“What is a cathedral?” The Association of English Cathedrals. (https://www.englishcathedrals.co.uk/about-us/)