by Douglas J. Lanzo
Copyright 2026
First published in WestWard Quaterly Fall Issue (September 2026)
Grasping a red hymnal, I sing —
struggling with word and song —
without timbers of a rich voice
or clear notes to string along.
But sensing a rising chorus
joining with peace of Psalms,
my soul stills in lyric wisdom,
filling its shores with calm.
Strengthened by His holy presence,
rapturous, drawing praise —
my eyes refresh in mosaics,
bright-hued – blessed – ablaze
in the beauty of His triumph,
glorified – resurrected – raised,
my voice finding deeper layers —
uplifted by His gaze.