Entered for a poetry competition organised by my parish.
And we were once again the Israelites,
Lost in the desert, driven with our tents
Into lean lives for forty days and nights,
With fear for foe. But from that lengthiest Lent’s
Bright soundless skies
There fell strange manna, semi-sacraments:
Unsullied sunlight, bolder birdsong, the surprise
Of spring’s long-hoped-for leaf-burst jubilee;
New green, new gilding, seen with clearer eyes.
And more: the Gospel-truths shown differently,
How we are all one body, and how light
In shadow only shines more radiantly.
Let quiet thanks, although there is in sight
No end of troubles in the years ahead,
Be given for the easing of our plight,
And for our brethren, all whose souls were led
Out of this world of mingled grace and vice,
Let Requiems be said,
That by the Lord’s love, and His sacrifice,
They may see Paradise.
And we were once again the Israelites,
Lost in the desert, driven with our tents
Into lean lives for forty days and nights,
With fear for foe. But from that lengthiest Lent’s
Bright soundless skies
There fell strange manna, semi-sacraments:
Unsullied sunlight, bolder birdsong, the surprise
Of spring’s long-hoped-for leaf-burst jubilee;
New green, new gilding, seen with clearer eyes.
And more: the Gospel-truths shown differently,
How we are all one body, and how light
In shadow only shines more radiantly.
Let quiet thanks, although there is in sight
No end of troubles in the years ahead,
Be given for the easing of our plight,
And for our brethren, all whose souls were led
Out of this world of mingled grace and vice,
Let Requiems be said,
That by the Lord’s love, and His sacrifice,
They may see Paradise.
 |
| Vaulting above One Island Pond, 29th May, 2020. |
Absolutely wonderful! I love "Semi-sacraments" especially.
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind — thank you!
DeleteI liked it too. The whole poem gives a notion of blessings.
ReplyDeleteDear Thomae,
DeleteThank you very much!
Dominic
I love this poem, so beautifully written and expressed.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteIf you would publish a collection of your poems in print we are least two readers here who would assuredly like to buy them from abroad. Think about it? If you would go for some other path than to venture for a proper publishing house, there are several neat possibilites these days.
ReplyDeleteDear Thomae,
DeleteSorry for my slow reply to your very kind comment. It is a real encouragement to hear what you say: thank you very much! I am very glad to hear that my poetry has found the mark — this is surely what every writer longs to hear.
Publication has crossed my mind, but I'm not sure how to go about it. It would certainly be nice to be able to share them in print (I don't know about you, but I find reading poetry far easier on a printed page than on a computer screen).
For a start, I will certainly at least think about it, as you suggest. If these thoughts ever turn into reality, I will let you know!
Dominic
They are probably fit for a "real" publisher as it stands. Only problem in that case might be sheer pecuniary prospects for poetry, not what it once was?
DeleteThanks ahead!
DeleteOh, I think the pecuniary prospects are definitely not what they once were! But for me it would be reward enough to be able to share the poems with sympathetic readers, and know they were enjoyed. Your comments give me hope that there are still people around who like traditional verse. It's a tremendous encouragement! We will see what happens!
DeleteUnderstatement: Book trade is not was it was either! ;-)
DeleteBest wishes and many thanks for this wonderful blog.
No, alas...
DeleteThank you for your kind and loyal readership! Best wishes to you too.