Before the First Hymn
Original EveryPoem Studio house-voice poem.
The usher arrives before music,
checks the aisle for anything
that might catch a cane,
places large-print orders of service
beside the ordinary stack,
and learns which door opens easiest.
When the first visitor pauses,
no speech is required.
A hand indicates the quiet seats.
A smile leaves room for no.
Welcome begins long before
someone says welcome.
58 words · 12 lines · Free Verse