Birth Of A New Prophet Poem by Dorothy (Alves) Holmes

At first we did not see her
Hid behind a massive pulpit.
We moved our heads
To sweet flowing organ melodies
And Amen-ed in rippling accompaniment
Those who preceeded her
Emotions on edge
With each bellowing sound
Welcoming her to preach...
She, welcomed in song and speech,
We, all gathered of different faiths
But of one belief
That she, our sister, daughter, friend
Could bring the message
And we, before hearing
Were her confidants
Pew overflowing in loving attendance.
We marched
Giving an offering
While spiritual graces prodded us on
To more singing and glad hearts...
Then, there she stood
With the echoing strands of 'Amazing grace'
Bouncing off our hearts
With a message to 'Hang In There! '
Her first words softlly spoken, 'Praise Him.'
Then Revelation and John
The 'end' time
'Visions'
and
'Angels'
'I believe in them all, ' she said
And she shared with us
Her conversation with the Lord
Voice, softly gentle
Preaching
Bringing a message.
We listened
And
Left
Believing in visions
With an inward commitment
'To
Hang
In
There.'

Written for Marie Elizabeth Murphy Phillips Cooke
on the occasion of her Trial Sermon...197...