The lightning flashed, the thunder roared,
The stained-glass windows shook.
The lights went out so I could not
Keep at à Kempis’ book.
The sanctuary lamp remained,
Stone faces glowing red,
The monstrance stood, a mini sun—
Within: the Living Bread.
I stuck my finger in my book,
So not to lose my place.
I closed my eyes and bowed my head
And prayed for God’s sweet grace.
And in the silence and the dark
I was not left alone,
I sat quite still, at peace, with Him,
To hear the Spirit groan.
The mad storm stomped off to the east,
The lights soon shining bright.
I genuflected, crossed myself,
And walked into the night.
Michael C. Paul is a writer, illustrator, and historian living in Virginia. His work appears in The Lyric, Amethyst Review, The Sunlight Press, and other publications. He is a four-time award winner in the 2026 Poetry Society of Virginia annual contest.