Saints Alive

St. Cecilia, richly robed,
Reigns upon the parlor wall
In an enigmatic pose
Stringed fingers lightly fall.

St. Thérèse, Little Flower,
Dressed in Carmelitic fare
Framed with roses from the bower
In her picture by the stairs.

Guardian Angel, mirrored light,
Graces spaces in the hall
Gossamer wings in readied flight
Lest the little ones should fall.

St. Anthony, with Babe in arms,
Reposes by the bedroom door
Contemplates the Infant’s charms
In perfect love forevermore.

Immaculata, grace imbued,
Rests upon the windowsill,
Radiant alabaster hue
Banishes the morning chill.

These saints of God, whose lives impart
A legacy of hope to me,
Permeated home and hearth
And in my turn shall ever be …
Saints alive.

By Margaret Jacobi

(Margaret Jacobi is a member of St. Michael Parish in Bradford.) †

The Criterion