I have stood here for centuries upon centuries
Watching over those who scurry past
In the rain.
In the snow.
In the sleet.
I am beautiful; I am bleak;
I am graceful beyond measure.

You who come and wake me from my slumber of ages,
It is you who make may heart sing
Kyrie
Christe
Eleison
From head to heart to head again,
It is you who keep me living.

When you are gone, who will there be
To send music soaring amongst my arching rafters?
Only the fluttering birds
From their nests.
To their nests.
Too soon even the sparrows and turtledoves
Find warmer, kinder climes.

I am left with the memory.
Memories of voices lifted and soaring in song.
Shimmering songs,
Joyful songs,
Songs of woe.
But above all, memories of hearts beating,
Hearts racing in song,
Hearts which gave me life.

What songs can an empty cathedral sing?