Here in the heart of NY's Theater District,
across from my hotel,
I step into St. Malachy's–
"The Actor's Chapel."

The massive, open doors
allow in the sound of traffic
and a flow of cool, September air.

Above me:
    stone arches,
    hovering angels,
    stars in a deep blue ceiling. 

Around me:
    the tang of fresh lacquer,
    pews covered with the dust of remodeling,
    scattered people in prayer–
    and, ironically,
    beside the altar,
    a bright red Dirt Devil vacuum.

I find a marble-lined side chapel,
where a worn kneeling bench
faces three rows of glowing candles
(a trinity of cylindrical remembrance).
Beyond these watches a bronze statue
of St. Jude of Thaddeus,
Patron Saint of Lost Causes.
In one hand he holds a staff,
in the other a medallion bearing the face of Christ.
Behind him,
paint peels from stained cornices.

And I wonder,
"Are there lost causes?"
In this oasis of faith,
despite the Dirt Devil
standing vigil before the altar,
there should be no lost causes.
My understanding of the Holy
allows no room for lost causes.

St. Jude of Thaddeus
must have lots of time on his hands.

Perhaps he's the one
who vacuums.

Text and image © 2012 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.