A Gentle Ave

I stepped softly onto the carved wooden ledge of the lectern where morning light washed over the open hymnal. Tracing the gilded initial of the Latin verse with my fingertip, I drew a quiet breath and lifted my voice into the high stone arches. The sweet, lilting notes of the Ave Maria drifted out through the sunbeams, answered by a soft resonance that seemed to hold each phrase like a tender embrace. Resting both hands against the cool brass candle holder beside the vellum page, I let the final melody linger in the quiet air, hoping its peaceful warmth meets you gently as your day begins.