On 20 April, 2008 a Brazilian priest was carried aloft from a town on the coast of Brazil beneath a huge cluster of balloons. He was attempting to raise money for a local charity by breaking the record for helium balloon flight. His remains were found in the Atlantic Ocean more than two months later.
This is the day set for the priest’s ascent:
a thousand rainbow globes will lift his chair
and multitudes will witness the event.
His faith, he says, has made him confident
that God, earth, ocean, sky are all aware
this is the day set for the priest’s ascent.
He soars aloft into the firmament
and ever higher floats, upon the prayer
of multitudes who witness the event.
But, caught in hostile winds, his craft is sent
far out to sea. It falls, waves do not care
this is the day set for the priest’s ascent.
He feels the first faint stirring of dissent
from lifelong faith. He cries – too late – Beware!
to multitudes who witnessed the event.
Communication lost, his rations spent,
he struggles, then surrenders to despair.
This is the day set for the priest’s ascent:
the sea alone will witness the event.
(Notes from the) Tasmanian Poetry Festival
Blog — Currajah