Monday, December 16, 2019

Haibun


                                           SINGING CHRISTMAS MASS

The first Mass on Christmas at St. Anthony’s Church is at 6:00 a.m.  I am 13 years old and sing in the choir.  It is still dark when I arrive, and the church is not fully lighted, just the vestibule and the choir loft where we gather for a brief practice.  This first Mass and the last at noon will be high Masses.

Lights come on in the sanctuary, candles are lighted, the heat is turned on.  At such an early hour the church is only half filled.   Stained glass windows, dark when Mass begins, gradually brighten as the sun rises, and beams of color travel over pillars and pews.  The organ swells; our voices blend harmoniously; the fragrance of pine boughs, candles and incense float up to the choir loft as our voices float out over the congregation.

the sun in my eyes
singing “Gloria”
from memory

Contemporary Haibun Online

9 comments:

Magyar said...

To the highest Adelaide, grand: "in excelsis Deo".

Adelaide said...

Thank you, Doug

Adelaide

Gillena Cox said...

What an absolutely lovely haibun. Happy advent Season

Much💞love

Adelaide said...

Thank you, Gillena

Adelaide

littlemancat said...

Well, that was just lovely, Adelaide. I was there with you.
I sang in our children's choir all those years ago too. This time of year the memories are especially strong.
Mary

Adelaide said...

Thank you, Mary. So glad to hear from you.

Adelaide

Magyar said...

__I CAN enter that blog you spoke of, there is ONE blog that I cannot. On that blog... the 'arrow' does not turn into that 'selective hand' with a 'pointing/choosing' finger. Me thinks... it may have to do with the I-net, and not individual "compudderz".

Unknown said...

Resonates deeply with me. Just lovely!
Denis Garrison

Adelaide said...

Thank you, Denis.

Adelaide