Aunt Alice carries the tune,

marks time with her fingers

on top of the pew.

“When Zion’s exiles God brought back…”

I follow, singing true,

and Dad’s strong voice

comes after.

Mom’s notes are quite askew,

her tongue made not for melody

but laughter.

“The Lord has done great things for us.”

There across sing Mary and Court,

Cam and Maggie,

Hugh McGlade and Alec Kenney,

corn and oats men,

sweet Mae in her blue dress,

and Dr. Allen, starched and stiff,

ever cautious with the precious seed.

Now in that mute church I listen.

Still the stained glass dove

glides by the silenced singers.

Coming home its bright wings glisten

and from its meek mouth flies

the green glass twig of hope.

“And we rejoice indeed.”

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: From focused title to masterful closing image, this is an admirably crafted song. By naming Aunt Alice and other worshipers from the past, the poet invites readers to fill the pews with their own departed loved ones and to rejoice together in the psalmist’s assurance that God’s children in every generation will return from the exile of death.