On Leaving Becket's Shrine

The Rev. John Fairbrother

On Leaving Becket's Shrine

 

Infamous relic a dissembling enshrined  
Stones beneath a candle whispering
Faith's defence of martyrs end recalling
Political craft condemned with passing word
To find common cause in penitents' regret
 
Stepping down from ambulatory hall
Long columned nave attending before
The great west window hallowing light
Moving shadows urging pilgrim return
Where cobbles speak arrival leave
 
That descent feet led without
Thought impeding ease of watchful walk
Treads re-shaping smoothed and curved
As stories might sculpt a teller's mind
Intentions drawn beyond rigid form
 
Soles' gentle abrasion like secrets gnawing
Tender souls under weighted lives
Bearing hope uncertainty fate's despair
Time's footfalls blessing the mason's skill
Each journey a life inscribed in Canterbury's hall
 
Would if Sisyphus struggled here find
Solace in twenty odd Tales of time far gone
Meanwhile ages continue the inner quest
Step by step laying the record trace
As if angel touch were eroding stone
 
Between the mass and angels' stalls
Beyond debate beyond heart within
To realm of final call tourist shop Cathedral hall
This catholic centre of Anglican lore
The steps remain ingrained re-formed
 
© John Fairbrother
May 2014
Written in memory of Br Colin Wilfred SSF
Reflecting on a day shared walking in Canterbury Cathedral and ruins of the Abbey of St Augustine
 
Image The Shrine Canterbury Cathedral www.mstecker.com