The Ancient Modern
Seven Images of Opposition / Joshua Alan Sturgill
1
The Sun rains his light
equally on forests and on deserts.
Gratitude, not biology
distinguishes leaves from stones.
2
The Annunciation of Eternal Love
echoes through the Cities of Time,
arresting us with whispers of another world.
We respond with the clamor of progress
and deafen ourselves with invention.
3
No word of Christ was spoken
except to His Church.
Who, then, are the whitewashed tombs?
Who prissily tithes the dill and cumin?
Who makes men fit for Hell?
4
The Spirit hovers over the Water
of the unformed universe
seeking all those ready
to enter the coming Light
5
Parables within parables:
the gods’ gilded invitation
to their timeless Feast.
Our eyes are hungry instead
for cycles, for myths,
for the incessant seven days
6
Lazarus came back to tell us:
You can become all flame.
But the way is not easy;
you will need to die twice.
7
Except to His Church,
Christ spoke no words.
Who, now, is the blind leader?
Who sits in Moses’ seat?
Who calls a midnight council
to pay for the crucifixion of Grace
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