The Sacred Heart

The Sacré-Cœur is white
a bloodless three-arched portico
of a cold, cold sacred heart.
Travertine from hot springs;
the summit always
steps on everything.

The Sacred Heart is hollow
a penance of perpetual adoration,
an organ without empathy.
Devotion has no cure;
the Sacré-Cœur always
steps on everything.

This piece is inspired by Misky’s Twiglet #243. Come get a twig to build your own fire.

14 responses to “The Sacred Heart”

Ingrid

I love the Sacré-Cœur and the whole Montmartre region. This brought back memories, even if you are not a fan!

LikeLiked by 2 people

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Oh, we loved Montmartre and the artists’ square in particular. This structure, just the drained heart, spoke to me at the time, and then with Misky’s twig, it seemed to have something to say.
  
  LikeLiked by 2 people
  
  Reply
Hobbo

I thought Travertine was a travel sickness tablet😂! Anyway, I’m not into churches, but I can live with this one. Montmartre is my favourite region of Paris, and it has a great irish pub just down the steps from the Sacre Coeur!🙂Great writing.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Sad to miss the Irish pub, Hobbo. Will look for it next time. Montmartre is a special place. We enjoyed our walk up the many stairs to get to the church and then our wandering down the hillside, which held many gems. Many memories of Paris are still in my journal. They need space to breathe and find their flow.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Hobbo
    
    Let the memories mature first, like a fine bottle of red! 😊
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    Yes, will do and keep them from souring as well. 😁
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  3. Hobbo
    
    👍 Good idea.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
Mister Bump UK

I visited once, one of my first trips to Paris, but thereafter was happy to view from a distance. Lots of steps, I recall. But I’ve been on nights out in the Pigalle area; it still buzzes but nowhere near as much as it used to.

I like the aliteration in your second stanza.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you kindly, friend. Yes, the stairs are a strong memory as well as how cold and dark it was inside. The beauty of it is is really in the skyline and viewing it from afar.
  
  LikeLiked by 1 person
  
  Reply
  1. Mister Bump UK
    
    Ah, well, at least you know to find somewhere else to visit next time. I’ve visited some churches over there which have been wonderful just for their tranquility, but Sacre Coeur wasn’t one of them.
    
    Notre Dame, unexpectedly, was one such place, although I don’t know how bad the fire was. It still seems to function.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
  2. K.Hartless
    
    Norte Dame is still a wreck. Guess it will be back together one day.
    
    LikeLiked by 1 person
abigfatcanofworms

This is fabulous. So chilling.

LikeLiked by 1 person

Reply
1. K.Hartless
  
  Thank you very much. The heart drained of everything is stark white, as is this structure. Was a meant-to-be pen, and I feel I could probably do it more justice in the future.
  
  LikeLike
  
  Reply
johnlmalone

a poem of paradoxes and a strong refrain —

LikeLike

Reply