This piece was written for my Weird and Eerie writing class. The prompt was something that was half real and half dreamlike.

Church

I stand in the choir next to Brother Bazil, he sings bass and watching his Adam's apple bob is so entertaining for someone my age. Wishing I could sing that low, trying, yet the only sound is high and squeaky.

I try to squint my hearing to find the alto voice of the church ladies, yet no sound comes to my ears.

Pastor takes a deep breath and I know that it will be his last for twenty minutes. He will shout and scream, evoking the Lord as he informs us that we are dirty low down sinners, headed straight to hell.

Glancing at the pulpit, I try to visualize the worn red carpet covering the floor. I know it exists. My eyes do not find it.

It is hot! Mid July and the building has no air conditions. The ladies fan themselves with hand fans donated by the Reigles Funeral Home.

I turn to ask Mother to send a little cool air my way, she is not there, her seat is vacant.

I smile as the taste of Juicy Fruit gum races across my tongue. Mother’s favorite, she always slips a piece in her good boy’s pocket.

I try to roll the gum wrapper in between my fingers and realize it is nonexistent as is the gum.

The slight sound of Brother Evan’s snore, the head usher who always falls asleep during the sermon buzzes in my ear.

I scan the back of the church to find him and find his seat empty.

Pastor finishes, the song director takes his place at the pulpit, the choir rises, the sound of the altar call hymn begins to beckon the lost souls to the altar. I shake in fear of hell and damnation.

My hand goes to my forehead, expecting it to come away wet, finding only dry skin.

Realization begins to ebb into my mind. The happy place as a child is gone, replaced by the emptiness that only lies can bring. I scoff at the judgment of a man no better than I. 

The service ends and I run past the crowd to meet my friends in the parking lot.

The service ends and I smile knowing that today I understand my spirituality and having cast off the darkness that a “House of Light” should have brought can be one with myself.

Roy Richard June 2024