This poem is from Constellant (When Time Is): A Novel describes a scene where main character Eric visits St. Peter’s Basilica. The Author Mikkel Skipper visited St. Peter’s in 2004 and the book fictional scene is based on his memoir of his own real visit.
Excerpt
As I entered the St. Peter’s Basilica I walked calmly on the vast floor. The sound of my shoes echoed in the space. Inside the Basilica the buzz from the people and traffic outside was silenced behind the thick walls. The impressive pillars went from floor to ceiling. I felt little and alone as if each person was on his own journey in life. We all live together, but must breathe alone.
I stopped when I saw the altar of Virgin Mary from the Bible on my right. At first, I thought it was Mary Magdalena de’ Pazzi, the ecstatic nun who lived simultaneous with “The Virgin Queen,” Elizabeth I. Then a flash of light hit my eyes and pushed me back. I couldn’t approach this altar. My feet stopped. Virgin Mary denied me. I felt paralyzed as my body all of the sudden couldn’t move. Then a poem clairvoyantly came to my mind:
I only seek your guidance.
I was shortly touched by the Devil’s influence.
But now I see that we are one human race. One people.
Perhaps it is time for the Catholic Church to open itself up – and share its knowledge — in service of all under God’s roof.
Hard times lies behind us. It wasn’t good.
The future is to embrace – and celebrate – for the prosperity to come.
It was like Virgin Mary spoke to me in a way that the poem mirrored my own thoughts.
