Close to the church doorway
St. Mary’s, Harrow-on-the-Hill
Graves dot the steep hillside
Souls we never knew
If only they could stand
Look out beyond where they lay
To the vistas of Harrow Weald
For 1000 years from this citadel
If only they could hear each other
And dance in memorial shadows
Bluebells and forget-me-nots
Gathered around their stones
Robins, finches and sparrows sang
As the sun crept over the horizon
A tethered cross leans by the chapel wall
Where stained glass figures look on.
Remembering, in the early morning light
A man stands quietly, cups an ear, listens
Says, ‘spread your wings, the angels call’
Places precious flowers on the new grave
© Christopher 2023
PS Byrons poem https://ninevoices.files.wordpress.com/2019/02/imag2082.jpg
The young Byron sat on a tomb at St. Mary’s to write his poetry.
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Nice poem Chris.
Comment by Anna Meryt on 20 May, 2023 at 7:53 amVery profound . It really places you in the scene. A great poem to capture a moment known to all at some stage of their life Christopher!
Comment by Ivonne Hawarth on 20 May, 2023 at 8:27 amEvocative of a peaceful spot in Metroland!
Comment by Conrad on 21 May, 2023 at 10:50 amCongratulations Chris! Lovely poem! Anne
Comment by Anne Hutton on 26 May, 2023 at 7:07 amHello Christopher, how lovely to find you here (feigns surprise)!
Comment by Larry on 17 June, 2023 at 6:03 pmTo borrow from Moorcock: The Dancers At The End Of Time? I can see them dancing now.
Hope to see you again soon.