On Paths: Waystations         (Urbi et Orbi) | listen in QuickTime [opens in new window] or listen in streamed RealAudio |

Empty, there's no one here . . .

Signs of former empire, the simple
stations of a pilgrim's life;

A painting on the back wall flaking
off...

     ...a powerful robed man
     with a staff, child on his
     shoulders, crosses the river,
     alone...

Images, names, the sounds of immense
bells slowly fading into the distant past...

An iron cross stands guard over
rows of melted candles;

A lock and chain keep the dogs
out at night.

Watching the spring rain turn to
snow, thinking about the state
of the world.

(Gran Paradiso, the Alps, at 1300 meters:
a seven week's journey from Rome.)