In the Chancel Ruins
(I Kor Ruinene)
by Peter Capelotti

To stand in this place,
the core of the cathedral,
is to confront directly,
the architecture of the spirit.


This space, of all others on this sacred island,
was designed and built a thousand years ago,
for the entry of one’s spirit into God,
and God’s entry into one’s spirit.


Designed and constructed long before artificial transmissions,
by electricity, or television, or caravel, or airplane, 
and instead, to amplify and channel
the lectio divina, the sacred reading.


Now the chancel is open,
to the sun and the stars at night,
its sharp edges softened,
by time and long grass.


Now one stands on the altar at clear midnight,
to see the bright cold city of God,
tipping heaven into the mind,
lifting the body into God.