Unnoticed and Unclaimed

Divine Treasures In Unexpected Moments

I found myself on the steps of the centuries-old cathedral as the door swung open for the annual Christmas chorus. My solitary wandering around Old Town Santa Fe led me here, dodging the festive holiday crowd as they streamed inside. 

The event was sold out. But thanks to a kind usher and an unclaimed ticket, I slipped in just as the door closed, and took a seat intended for someone else. 

As the rustle of nine hundred or so attendees grew still and the soprano filled the ancient halls with a song about God coming to Earth, I felt something familiar:  peace, a connection, something more than just a concert. It only lasted a moment, but the brevity made the impact even stronger. 

Some in the pews shuffled restlessly, others flipped through the program or whispered to their neighbor. Many of us attend concerts, recitals, gatherings or events this time of year - seeking enjoyment, diversion, or simply honoring habit or obligation. But perhaps, sometimes there is more to be encountered. Perhaps there are treasures hidden in these moments.

Looking around the cathedral, I saw a few who seemed to have noticed something more than a melody. You could see something different on their faces.

Is heaven all around, waiting for us to notice? 

Does peace abound, just waiting for us to lay claim?

Unnoticed and Unclaimed

I stood in the cold alone

Lingering beyond the doorsteps

The warm cathedral light

Painted puddles of gold

Where the queue of visitors

Unknowingly splashed

Shoes with glamour enough

For an audience with a king

And shoes more suited

To the king we honor here

Moved up the stone steps

Thick black coats

And uncomfortable sweaters

Canes and restless children

A last minute smoke

Fumbling for tickets

Filling up the house

No tickets left to sell

One great door already shut

Another fighting to hold the latch

The scene about to close

And return me to my walk

Unless... 

Three quick steps

A pause and a question

Actually, yes

Seat Q4 is unclaimed

Merry Christmas and hurry

We are about to begin.

The benevolence of fate

By whatever name you know it

Has gifted me this moment

I rush inside to hear…

Two dozen voices thunder

While a thousand sit in silence

The giant room seems small 

And barely holds the sound

A voice that rings like moonlight

Shares a truth that turns the galaxies

A voice that glows like sunrise

Tells a tale that shook the earth

Is it only golden sound

That stirs my soul?

Or is the truth a jewel inlaid

By an artist long ago

Reflecting a holy light?

Someone dropped in to listen

To his words woven in melody

Walking the aisles

He visited a few

Gifting them with tears released

Or tears wiped away

Before slipping quietly 

Past the ancient stairs

And disappearing into the night

Unnoticed.

Unclaimed.