by haunted abandoned places
areas where humanity abandoned roots
leaving walls to melt away with time
I make it a sport to ignore
no trespassing sings
suggestions made in the guise of safety
In Staunton there were crypts
monuments to the dead behind creaking gates
and just as many churches dedicated
to decaying Christian sects
On campus there was a cathedral of sorts
an impossibly old building not often used
the cross of Christ on display yet
collecting dust glowering above a Bible
seldom touched
I found the place quite by accident
on one of my many escapist walks
I'd go there to pray to a pagan god
and ask redemption of Jesus
One night I went to her and asked
if she wanted to see something cool
she trusted me and I led her
to the dusty tomb
For some reason it wasn't on any map
She of course was fascinated with the history
I was overjoyed at sharing my discovery
After discussing Bible passages
her an atheist rooted in scientific methods
myself a pagan raised by Christians
we kissed deeply in the pale light
beaming through stained glass
the glower of the cross an aphrodisiac of sorts
I don't remember what happened next
the moment overwhelming time
I remember that kiss
I remember feeling like her spirit
intertwined with mine
I remember perfection manifest again
wishing I could pause reality again
and something in the back of my mind
told me that this was way too beautiful
for me to ever hope to keep
