Worship with Tambourines and Dance!

The worship dance written about in this poem took place several years ago at Beth Israel Worship Center, when it was located in Garfield, NJ. The late Frank Schiavo was a member of the congregation who was afflicted with cerebral palsy and was confined to a wheelchair. Frankie spent hours each day in intercessory prayer.

Photo Credit: estore.worshipwarriors.net

FRANKIE’S DANCE

In memory of Frank Schiavo, Jr.

In a circle

in the corner

of the sanctuary

the dancers

lifted arms and faces,

bowed reverently, rose,

offering gifts 
of praise to God.

Tintinnabulating timbrels

and tambourines,

their satin ribbons streaming,

swirled with shirts and skirts,

a kaleidoscopic rainbow.

Ineffable ecstasy

shone in countenances,

sparkled in dark, dancing eyes.

Parked at a row end

in the congregation,

Frankie sat

strapped securely

in his wheelchair,

worshipping,

his spirit whirling

in the dance.

Joy softened his face

into enthralled expressions

as praise

flowed fluently

from upturned lips.

Suddenly,

perceiving the desire

written in his radiance,

a young man whisked

his wheelchair

into the dance.

Circling, circling,

spinning, spinning,

wheeling worshipfully,

spiritually spiraling

upward, Heavenward,

an Elijah in a chariot

driven by horses,

their manes ablaze,

Frankie danced

his holy dance

before the Ever-Living God.

Maude Carolan

The above poem was originally published in "Sensations" magazine. Frankie was so pleased that this poem was published. He had a framed copy of the poem hanging over his bed until the Lord called him home.