Editor's Note: in light of last week's monumental Black Catholic poem from Amanda Gorman, and the recent revelation of the soon-coming demise of legendary Black parishes in Chicago, it seems a good time to reflect on our shared home and Mother.
This Place, this institution of Truth
Myth and Illusion
Sound of rolling thunder
Awesome wonder
Angelic air
Chilling tales
Often unconscious
Deserts, cold as pits of hell
Finding one’s self mired in reality of the past
Confronted corners awaiting the end game shrouds
Joyous reunion on full display
Confessions labored by lips of sorrow
Learning cantors like babbling brooks
Echoing verses from liturgy tenured loved
Catholic communion collected in grace
Eucharistic intaking the connection
Earth and heaven intertwine
Vast space moving slowly to infinity
Strangers kneeling in unison
Only God knows what they’re really feeling
Can you take this to the street?
Jenarío Decarlo Morgan is a native Detroiter, resident of South Bend, husband, and father of two. Currently a paraprofessional at South Bend Riley High School, for 12 years he taught theology in Detroit—where he was the first diversity director for the local Knights of Columbus. (He is also a former Grand Knight.)
