San Gimignano Basilica

A quiet haven of contemplation.
I sit on the ancient pew and
look toward the stained glass
window of a pope or cardinal
or somebody.

Faded murals fan out in every
direction. Frescoes and portraits
dot each block wall as far as
I can see. Parts of them appear
to be torn off the wall like an
article ripped out of a newspaper.

Cherubs painted in sepia tones 
appear ready to pop out onto
our shoulders as we stroll by.

Many arches and columns dance
through the entire length of this
church. God is here.

Part of one mosaic only shows
Jesus’ nail-pierced foot stepping
on a black ugly beast – the devil
I presume.

The frescoes show the life of
Jesus – panel after panel after panel.

The ceiling is painted murky blue
with stars adorning every inch.

The final scene shows Jesus on the
cross with his body full of arrows. The
twelve apostles are sitting in a row
above his head.

I feel blessed to be a witness.

JJG — 2014