The church is as empty as my soul.

Dust floating in the absence of peace.

The candles have burned out like my dying faith.

Once burning bright, it has now ceased.

The stained-glass angels turn their eyes away from me,

My heart cracks like their colored face.

They know salvation is not what I seek.

I walk in this darkness at my own pace.

Outside, the world hovers like storms.

But this empty cathedral refuses to give refuge.

It chews on every memory I thought I buried.

The darkness inside my soul is huge.

I walk the aisles like a lingering spirit

whose soul is never at rest.

Heavy steps with a heavy heart,

I broke the rules and failed the test.

I burn no candle in reverence and awe.

My prayers are silent.

My voice is not heard from up above.

For I know what the verdict will be at judgment.

I tried to live a life that was holy.

A life that appeased an angry presence.

Until I lost the fight for perfection.

To a God that sought vengeance.

So, I let my soul go cold.

Like the darkness of the midnight sky.

I seek an alternate view,

and let man-made religion die.

Amber