Church is such a personal thing
Closest to my god in the garden
but now and then
for a special favour
must visit the place
of hallowed past.
Inexperienced at prayer
a novice if you like
but the flint cool warm walls
of my St Mary's is as respite
from patient mother love.
The walls of flint and long
long vistas - the small familial
graves and flowers
and benches of dedication
afford me such a comfort
though my man says hypocrite to me.
A woman of a church
you are and always were my refuge
your flint brick cedar shingled beauty
calls to me all over town
and brings me back home to make
my requests in the tingle of blood.
Author notes
Option 1 - what faith is to me - a bit of a muddle.
When my babies were very small, I nursed them and looked out to this beautiful building each and every day. That little cottage and this handsome church are my spiritual homes.
Written April 8th, 2006
A contest entry
- When You Know its Wrong - But you Believe its Right (winner takes all) by Gypsy Rover.
1000 points, ended June 21, 2007, 15 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 29 of 29
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KP - yes, we need to tailor our beliefs to our own minds and bodies and find peace wherever we can - seems to me that there's not much 'quality' peace about. Deep breath and grab it and hope there's god in there somewhere to prevent total madness overtaking us all..... Yes, you guessed, big family meal and the wine is talking, mind you, I can only agree with it - but get back to me in the morning...!! x
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kp - I'll be by just as soon as all my family has gone home and I get a small piece of peace....!!
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I liked reading your poem. I think that in everyone's life there comes a time of questioning, soul searching, challenging ideas and traditions that were handed down. I recently went through such a period in my life. I have never felt as liberated in my self as I do today. It is an amazing process to work through. Today I am able to claim my beliefs as my own. I no longer just simply accept handed down religions. The universe is a wonderful place to be. The biggest lesson I've learned has been to not be afraid of questioning anything. I no longer walk through my life in the same mindless manner as before. It is a beautiful life. I'm glad I'm here.
Thanks for sharing your writing. I hope to read more...stop by and check out some of mine anytime.... -
We find peace in the places that have spiritual significance for us ... this is a wonderful example of that
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Vic- couldn't we invent a new religion? I'm really warming to this idea....... wow it could be utter bliss....... Leave that one with me for a year or two so I can work out the commandments........ (I have it roughed out already in my head - cos it's what I'd like - and it's not a bit perjorative......)
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the philosopher - thanks mate. I am seriously a closet chritian. I will not talk the talk but walking the walk, well, that's different. I sort of feel you have to do as you would be done by, if you understand what I mean. But trying to catch those reluctant fish - evangelise - no. The ley lines and bricks and mortar of churches give some kind of quiet energy. Like drawing in a big breath. But, for me, it comes from the place (the ground if you like) and I have to do the whole god thing in private. So I go to church when it's closed..... !! Thanks for your considered comment my dear.
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When the kids were born, I had to decide what to tell them about religion. In the end I concluded that they would be better off with than without so either we had to choose one of the existing religions or invent a new one. Chose what seemed the least harmful of the existing lot & joined up. I don't go with the idea that it was hypocritical. Nice poem. vic
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I really like this piece. Right now in my life I am going through some questions about faith and religion, and despite it all, I still find a small church in this town to be a refuge, a place to go to just think. Your church reminds me alot of mine. A very nice poem, in many, many ways.
KP -
Parenchma - you are such a brov! Thank you honey!! little christian shy to come out of her closet. BUT.... being christian means I shouldn't have to change much (except the legs in the air bit - goes without saying that was very bad....) BUT ..... (there goes my butt again?!) always want to love more than hurt people. Can I go on being inadivsably loving??
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saxon.sussexchurches.co.uk/images/sompting/sompting1/index.htm
For those of you who would like to see very nice photos of St Mary's Sompting visit the site link above!
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now you leave her alone... she's making progress here...
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Charming.
I love old Churches and even enjoy walking around the grave yard.there is a special kind of Peace and the imagery is so serene and peaceful.they are often so cool inside and one feels the calm at least momentarialy in the bustle of day to day living.Especially love to visit when it is pouring with rain.Spirituality is expressed in many forms and you have written a delightful Poem.Elizabeth. -
Thanks Keith! I'm inclined to agree with you..... but this is a really sweet little place.
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I think that none of us truly knows what attracts us to a place. On a hot day, church may be a cool place. Then again, some churches are small and cramped. I think it's best to get out in the open air! Maybe I'm not making a great deal of sense, but I like the poem anyway. Best Wishes.
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Jeff, thank you my dear. You are very kind.
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Excellent write, beautiful imagery. Well done...Jeff
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This one really strikes a chord, funny how such things touches, ay?
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Thank you my flying friend! As you know, I am not particularly worthy in the god department...... but I do feel at home and at peace in this lovely old place. Happy weekend my dear. x debs
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Sweet as a nut babe.....great stuff
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Joyce - thank you - I'm very pleased it made you feel peaceful. That's what I took away from it yesterday. A warm hug.
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ocerus - I'm a closet christian!!
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c-lion - I agree utterly with your comment. I am very ambivalent about all things preachy but St Mary' Sompting is a special place to me. If there is god this is where he'd be.
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and there was me thinking you were such a heathen darling. I thought you were all set to be comfortably hedonistic for the rest of your naturals sis. xx clips
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Well captured.
I am not a religious person but do appreciate the special nature of churches. To me, they have an inexplicable spiritual dimension that seems to be embedded in the fabric of their walls. -
this is one very beautifully written poem. touched my heart so tenderly. i can feel nothing but peace while reading this write. what a blessing this poem has been to me. you have done a very great job on this. thanks for sharing.
Joyce -
Nice
A honest and earnest look into ones spirituality.
We should always do introspective searching
inside our own soul. The cleansing of fleshly
appetites are salvaged in purity.
We could all use some purging from time to time.
The world overloads us with filth which only
spiritual enlightenment can cure. Nicely written
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The thing I like about this one is that it's spiritual but not really preachy. I was raised Catholic (please forgive me for that!) and most of my experiences in that Church were negative ones. But I do believe in God, and as long as one desires good things from God - and asks for humility as well - I don't see the harm in christianity. Islam? Oooooooooooh, I've heard some bad things. In fact, Mark Rickerby (from AP) has a facinating column here about that faith. I think it's called, "Islam, religion of peace." It's horrifying but facinating, and I reccomend it. Back to your poem! This is written simply and needs a few commas here and there, but it's really a lovely piece. Reading it is like drinking cocoa in a warm bath. It's that comforting. Good job! - oce
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honey bear - thank you. I agree with your kind and considered comment. 'Soul' is where you find it. x chilli
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lovely
a beautifull write very descriptive and full of love for a place that was /is obviously very special to you ,i would not call you a hypocryte as god does not just live in walled areas and we do not need to believe in god to enjoy the beauty or the peace of any time person or place.
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