POETRY

Mt. Angel Abbey Vespers

by Meredith Anderson

Signal a new day, Timex
of years forgotten.
Peal and ping, surround
ears, brains, and
command with mechanic
might (human voice
fails).
You prevail.

Overwhelmed,
faithful timekeeper compelled,
muffled, now echoing
slow, then
scurrying footsteps. Crackling
leaves snap
shut in leather covers –
bound in swift arms
obediently rustling.
Those of the cloth
heed the call of
the bell.

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