Not symbols,
ecclesiastical decor,
but a clear pane of glass,
that was the reredos,
and there was the risk
of drawing the celebrating's focus
away
from the properties of the communion table,
because there,
in the transparence,
the greenery of earth was
flourishing in the sight of morning,
the river's spate blossoming,
the air a flight of joy,
and the sunshine setting
the clouds on fire,
and I observed
the eyes of the priest
as if unawares
placing his hand
upon these gifts
as though
they
were the bread and wine.
-- Euros Bowen
Translated by Joseph Clancy
