BLOG 4 DURHAM

(with apologies to Ian Adams)

I have in mind a journey

north-east from the south-west,

  with humility,

  with strength,

whose course calms the human breast.

I have in mind an island

gazing at the north-east,

  with humility,  

  with strength,

whose soul calms ev'ry beast

I have in mind some saints

whose lives come out from the sea,

  with humility, 

  with strength,

pure and simple and holy.

I have in mind a cathedral

rising from out of the sea

  with humility, 

  with strength,

whose soul makes music, calms me.

I have in mind a church

in a parish near the sea,

  with humility,

  with strength,

whose mission is yet to be.

I have in mind a man

walking behind the Lord

  with humility,

  with strength,

God's name by him adored.

I have in mind a woman

whose man is walking behind,

  with humility,

  with strength,

to see what he can find.

I have in mind a believer,

praying through the night,

  with humility

  with strength,

as they lose the sight …

  of the journey

  of the island

  of the saints

  of the cathedral

  of the woman

  of the man

and give up their spirit

- but gain their due birthright