Stained G ass Eyes

Bells ring across the subtropical landscape. Across the tailored grounds I occupy and the detailed architecture I call my own. I reside here in a compacted land of mansions and private streets. Shopping bags and golf tees. I rest amongst it all. Atop my spired height these bells call out, and I seek to host the souls of man. Who will hear this call that rises above? Will it be the hopelessly poor, or the affluent few, or anyone in between? The answer is not needed by material measure, for I am only interested in matters of the soul. I know the nature of man, and I have seen the beauty that can be conjured from the complex desires and emotions of humanity. Alas, for I’ve also seen the grotesque. The desperate among you who would break the laws of man for personal gain. I will not hold you accountable, but the host who resides within these walls may.

Regardless of your beginnings or age, these doors exist for all humanity to walk through, and for a moment he calls the universe to pause and life begins anew.

Will it be the devoted lovers who have come to see me? Those who dress these old walls with bouquets and wreathes? Who invite their kindred spirits and family to witness yet another miracle? For this I bring my guest again, who is a generous and loving host. He will sit amongst the pageantry in deference and respect for a moment. A parade of white washes over these old wooden beams and floors and with it a joy for what awaits in the future. There are tears for those who arrive alone for they are never to be seen again. In their places arises a covenant. The Lord unifies souls here, and he makes one from the two who have requested his presence.

The bells ring once more, but I know who will be arriving today. These bells sound a request that is undeniable by all mortals. Humanity in its entirety is equal to this sound— regardless of their stature by any measure. Understood by all to be the end of this existence, but fear not. Beyond their fading resonance awaits his call to a luminous flock to celebrate amongst infinity, and your soul will shine as a star in the pasture of the night sky.

I have stood here for one hundred years with the walls and arches that rest on either side. I have seen the greatest of sinners traverse these stone walkways and worn pews, and my stained glass has shone on all manner of man. To some I have housed the irredeemable, but who I am to judge? I have stood for one hundred years, and in that I’ve seen promises forgotten. I’ve seen covenants broken for lustful gains, and I’ve seen those who would protect only themselves while sacrificing the lives of others. Yet I will always offer a moment and eternal peace to anyone who needs it, until the shore marches inland and waves lap against these storied walls.

79 Creative Essay