I visited a new church on Sunday
and thought I saw
some familiar faces
from long ago.

Later,
as I sat in my pew
I glanced to my left
during the readings
and saw an old woman
frail and hunched over.

Her body was turned
so she faced me
looking at my eyes
as if for an answer
or perhaps
some sort of assistance.

I returned her gaze
with a compassionate smile
and thought I would speak with her
after the service.

I glanced at the bulletin
as the choir
sang the response,
“and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”

I looked back up
to see
the mysterious woman
had vanished.