Visiting Emmanuel

Gathered in the lobby.
Ticketed and scanned.
A ritual. A recitation
of barcodes - once deplored
by Christ’s army and now
in their churches.

We’re taken to the lecture hall.

Cast out devils. Heal the sick.
Voice of Heaven
circling the dome.
Contrasting shades of oak
enshrine these passages
and bring the scent of Anglican domain.

In such a place we seem
like sinners in the melting pot.