She entered — alone.

Bulletin delivered,

the usher moved on,

eyes already past her -

on to the next.

They call it the "Prelude".

She sat — alone ‑

           on a wooden pew

           designed for four.

They call it the "Gathering".

She listened — alone ‑

and the reverend spoke of needs;

of reaching out to others,

sharing and caring.

They call it the "Message".

She watched — alone ‑

as the congregation responded with identical tidy envelopes holding identical tidy dollars.

They call it the "Offering".

She prayed — alone ‑

while they sat ‑

arms folded, heads bowed.

They call it the "Response".

She exited — alone ‑

            having received

            obligatory handshakes

             and the obligatory

"Have a good day!".

They call it the "Sending Out".

She read — alone ‑

the bold letters

on the stark white sign

by the door -

"Visitors Welcome".

They call it the "Church".