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Sunday, July 20, 2008

The island holy

I wrote this poem about Holy Island - it has been the home of saints

The island holy


What faith to live on Holy Island

the land beneath one’s feet

swallowed by the sea

Upon return greeted by the crash of waves

one must sit and pray and wait.

Bishops Aidan, Cuthbert on the island holy

Saints obedient to the rhythm of life

Knew this:

It is called faith, not face

a joyful sweet surrender

not the art of concealing

displeasure with delay.



2 comments:

Anonymous said...

My wife and I been to Holy Island several times. It's a beautiful place, which has a real tranquillity and an overwhelming sense of holiness. The old abbey is ruined but atmospheric. The parish church, now Anglican and with a Franciscan parish priest, is lovely. It has a monument to Aidan and rugs based on the Lindisfarne gosples. Aa someone brought up as a Catholic who is now Anglican it speaks to me at a very deep level.
The island is mainly flat with lots to see - great for us wheelers! The main thing to remember is the tide times as car access to the island is by a causeway which floods at high tide.
Thanks for your blog - I really enjoy it. God bless you.
Jim

Ruth said...

Jim- Thanks for your comments about your travels to Holy Island. It's a dream trip I think about and it's wonderful to hear from someone who has been there.

God bless you too.