ALPHABET OF LOVE

The Late Natalie Wood : (Visits the Church of the Good Shepherd)

32 The Alphabet of Love THE LATE NATALIE WOOD (Visits the Church of the Good Shepherd) I saw the late Natalie Wood At Christmas Eve Mass last night In the Church of the Good Shepherd, Smack dab on Bedford Drive, In the heart of Beverly Hills; How curious to see her alive again! There were flowers in her hand, And she was wearing A splendid black Chanel jacket, And a lavender jacquard skirt. At her side sat a man No more than twenty years old, Transfixed beyond measure, Staring unabashedly at her, Running his eyes through her hair— From the opening rite To the closing prayer. Even normally cool Father O’Ryan Seemed a bit taken aback With the vision in the front pew, But he couldn’t place Where he’d seen that face before. . . Still, his intrigue remained Until the final carol was sung And the chant of peace exchanged. Bart Edelman 33 When Natalie Wood rose to leave, We stood there silently And watched her stroll up the aisle, Smiling at each one of us, As if we had just been blessed By the mere sight of her, Passing through our lives On this most holy night, Where she suddenly appeared To worship the birth of Christ. (for Jackie) ...