I sang unmasked in church today

by Mary Howell

I sang unmasked in church today

The old-time hymns I love so well

I held the hymnal in my hand

And thrilled to hear the music swell.

I was so glad to sing again

To raise my voice in grateful praise

I’ve made it through the silent time

I’m on my way to better days.

I won’t forget the darkest hours

The people dead and so much pain

The fear and dread and lonely nights

But now I have it all to gain.

I opened up my chest and breathed

And took that first brave step away

On to the life I’m meant to live--

I sang unmasked in church today!

Mary Howell is a member of Trinity, and sent in this poem she had written after attending a service in July.