RELIGION Poem: St Mary’s Aldermar Church, by Rose Bates

I sit in St Mary’s Aldermar Church
It’s bustling with remote workers, businesspeople and students.
They have all gathered
to work and study and sip coffee
within a church.

I think back to my childhood
I was raised roman catholic
But my sexuality confused my relationship with god
A whole other tale to get into
I’m not ready to open that door now
I simply want to watch

It’s complete with a café, a souvlaki bar and burrito station
What world have I walked into?
I didn’t know –
Churches could be multi-purpose
Not to this extent

In my church growing up, there was only the alters, pews and aisle
A few leaflets by the door, next to the holy water
And baskets of straw crosses, only on ash Wednesday
It was so simple, so pure, yet this church is apparently a place
Where worshippers gather too?

I am in one of the pews
There’s a coffee table within it
I can order a latte
And converse with the saints
All at once

I watch the aisle and think of my confirmation
When my faith was a part of my life
I watch and see myself as a teenager
In my dress with flowers in my hand
Walking up to take the holy communion from father willam

In my neighbouring pew an interview is occurring
A girl demonstrates her theories of corporate escalations
Whilst the interviewers jot down notes and
Stare at her half blankly