Conversion Poem by Bernard Kennedy

Tall, fit and strong
the player stands.
Waiting.
The stadium, like
a grand cathedral,
hushed, heads bowed.
Other players wait and look,
a sacramental moment.

With his heel he makes
a space, . as meditation.
Then pacing back he waits,
around he looks,
the silent prayer is made,
the crowds are dazzled,
dazed.
And then.

He moves and kick lifts
the oval ball
over it goes.
Amen is said in cheers.
The colored vestments raised,
and unity is done
in public prayer.

The priest,
is carried,
cheered around the aisles,
and fellow priests smiles,
satisfaction has ben gained
the previous losses
no longer ordained.