Not a clamor, but love. Not talking, but a pledge. Not punishment, but heart. Make music in the ear of God.

The Pope stood in front of the giant "Rose", stained glass window in the cathedral. Looking out at the parishioners, he new his time was almost up. The end had come at last and he felt the pressure welling up inside him because of all of the things left undone. He had only minutes left before he was to be removed by his enemies is a devious scheme that had been in the works for many weeks. He had been warned by one of the sibyls in one of her dreams.

Instead of speaking of the horrors of this world, he decided to speak of the good. As he opened his mouth to speak, he found he was talking about the sibyls and how they were finally speaking out. Their message was one of hope for the new messiah was about to be born!

These were his last words.

Watercolor and gold on paper. Copyright 2010 by Kelley Vandiver