cathedral – Rich Clarkson Poetry

I had a retreat day in Worcester before Christmas, and spent some time reading my favourite 7th Century theologian (everyone has one right?!) in the cathedral crypt which felt very fitting.

I’ve read his works in countless different places –
the library, in my office, in the woods,
on small Pacific islands. My bookcases
are interwoven with his every word.
For fifteen years he’s been my mind’s companion,
I’ve written, preached, prayed, studied, questioned, learned.
His deep reflective faith has been a lantern
Illuminating my own faith in turn
But somehow, here, today, among the ancient
prayer-soaked stones of this cathedral crypt,
beneath the hum of advent preparations,
his ancient prayer-soaked words perfectly fit.
I find myself held out of time and space
reading St Maximus in this holy place.

I visited the Anglican Church of Melanesia this September, and on the way spent a day in Brisbane acclimatising. I wrote this poem after visiting the Cathedral.

I wander, tired and worn, in search of silence,
a refuge from these jetlag laden days,
but Miner Birds and traffic horns and sirens
and the busy city sounds get in the way.
The doors to the cathedral all stand open
and, with relief, I gently enter in.
Though if it was for quiet I was hoping,
even here I’m followed by the city’s din.
Frustrated by this, prayer feels hard to come by
then slowly something changes as I see
the noise of vehicles, voices, planes and drums might
be exactly where they’re meant to be.
Drawn through open doors into this haven,
the city, and I, are lifted up to heaven.

Tag: cathedral

Reading The Confessor in the Cathedral Crypt

Brisbane Cathedral

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