Hollow Halo

Gratia relicta… Incense rose through silver light, I knelt unafraid of night. Hands against a trembling chest, Certain I was loved and blessed. Marble cold beneath my knees — I called it faith. I called it peace. Crown me with a hollow halo. Let it hover, let it fade. If grace once lived inside my bones, It did not stay. Candles burn but give no heat, Choirs sing but skip a beat. I stand where I once bowed my head, Speak the words — They fall back dead. The ceiling holds the same old sky, But it does not answer why. Crown me with a hollow halo. Let it shine but never save. If heaven closed its doors to me, It left me unafraid. Gratia relicta… Why was I left? I gave you prayer. I gave you breath. I gave you blood. I gave you flesh. Was I only holy When I could die? Crown me with a hollow halo. Let it gleam and let it lie. If faith was fire, mine is smoke — A fading lullaby. Immortal under vacant light — I wear what once was mine. Gratia relicta…