The curved crossPoetry

I
It looks like a stick man
or Gumby doing push-ups
on the wall.

II
It has the warm comfort
of caramel candy,
the shadow
of outstretched arms.

III
It’s a Mennonite icon,
the shape of increased agony,
the Christmas tree of holy folly,
the empty tree.

IV
It has all eyes on it—
with wood of Birds-eye Maple.

What message does the Spirit press
through that veneer?

V
Behind the cross of Jesus
is a kaleidoscope of colors,
of cast away cans.

Theres an illusion
of heaviness
but it’s actually light.

VI
The community sees it
differently
from every angle. I see
the keel and rib
of a ship. Or an anchor.
VII
The shadow of angel wings
going up
could be a delta-winged plane
diving down to earth.

“You down there,
pay attention.”

This collaborative poem (with photograph) is by “The Grandparents” small group at First Mennonite Church of Indianapolis. The artwork is by Derrick Method.