We packed this very room,
the sanctuary, really, with
more people than expected

for the Lavender Chorus debut
on Pride weekend in our city,
two of us staunch allies among

many cheering and tearing
at each moving song, celebrating
diversity in harmony. We came

to hear our dear friend raise her
voice in song, that voice ringing
from our high school stage

as we two played in the orchestra.
This afternoon we sat in a pew
among hundreds, thinking of those

we’ve known more jeered than cheered
for who they are or were, swept up in
harmonic hope as this new chorus sang,

In this very room there’s quite enough
love for all of us, and in this very room
there’s quite enough joy for all of us,

and there’s quite enough hope and quite
enough power to chase away any gloom,
for love, our love, is in this very room.

As it was this day, may it forever be.

•••

Lyrics from “In This Very Room” by Ron and Carol Harris.

Thanks to Lisa Morgan for her good company in so many
musical events since our high school days.