A simple place
to come together
in silence

Now empty
Its benches bare
Its door locked

-to keep people apart
and not feed the virus
despite good will

Not being able to see
the small number
of attenders

-the familiar pews,
the flowers up front,
the light through tall windows

-is unnatural,
a deprivation,
as lonely as the House

Companionship in spirit
sustains commitment
to brotherhood and justice

Thinking of one’s friends
makes up for some of the loss
until we’re together again

                          Peter Lenrow 06/04/2020