Rising Breath

The Rev. John Fairbrother

Why does art,
sanctuary or
starlight evoke
soulful awe?

Why do colonial
towns preserve
public space,
recalling downs?

Why, now, tolerate
incessant noise
materialising
anxiety’s freight?

Within noise, notes
and breath, mystery
stirs emotion’s
rising air.

Lifting shades
from inner halls
lighting calm
in promised rooms.

Waiting stillness
allowing breath,
this simple reflex
confronting life and death.

© John Fairbrother
April 2015