Credo
(Concert in St. Jonas, Vilnius, 1991)
I wanted the soprano
when she sang Handel’s aria
not to be alarmed by the unrelenting
worms that one day will destroy
her body and mine.
I wanted her to disregard drafts
from the open door, street noises,
overcome nervousness and simply
believe with all her heart the incredible
credo she sang flawlessly:
I know that my redeemer lives
And in my flesh I will see God.
Goose-bumped in the sanctuary’s
last, shadowed row
I waited, wanting
(as the thirsty deer wants water)
all of us in this staid audience
to shout with one voice: Help,
help our unbelief.
Winnipeg poet Sarah Klassen’s sixth collection of poetry, A Curious Beatitude (The Muses Co.) was released this spring. She has also written a book of short stories, The Peony Season. She is a member of River East MB Church.
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