Pillar by Ruth Marshall.

we citizens of heaven are but pilgrims here



I am a piece of paper
A blank sheet.
Write on me the name of your god.
Mark me,fill me with words

I am a pillar of the temple,
The roof balances on my head,
My feet buried in the earth.

My limbs carved with vines and fruits
The faces of creatures
Peer between the leaves.

I call the builder,
"Master! Honour your work.

Chisel your name and date
Mark me as a place in time.
I stand Testament,
Monument."

I am a sheaf of papers
A book of poems:
A multitude of words.

I am the voice of prophets
I speak fire and song.
I call the soul to grow ears.

I am the wind that blows
Between the pillars:
The breath between words spoken.

I am a piece of paper,
A blank sheet
Not the poet but the written -upon

I am the word
That will go no more unspoken.
A pillar of the temple.
A place
Where mysteries are revealed

3rd December 2014