All Saints Church Mackworth

From the everyday hubbub I have often fled
to share the stillness enjoyed by the dead.
Over chimes that mark the quarter and the hour
noisy Crows play hide and seek around the tower.
Cross beneath the arch and through the gate
to those here bearing witness to our fate.
Marked by gently listing weathered stone
they lie here all together, all alone.
Through village history I slowly pass
borne on the ebb and flow of unmown grass.
Sarah Smith, taken in eighteen thirty-one
her past just twelve years old, her future gone.
Another Sarah, Eames, near the main porch,
each facet of her tomb topped by a torch.
In a corner by the hedge with beard of moss
a solitary ornate Celtic cross.
Reverend Ogle, keeper once of Church and grounds
now waiting for the final trumpet's sound.
Another cross, lain flat with hole for flowers
rests darkly in the shadow of the tower.
Wind and weather from it's face the name long taken
unknown, but unto God is unforsaken.
Inside the Church in amber candleglow
stand the Alabaster Angels- and they know.
Respectfully I pick my way back to the gate
till next time, and eternity, they wait.
One last glance back, then time to move along,
All Saints calls out the hour
the Crows are gone
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Fleming Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 4:32 AM
I really did enjoy this poem, Viv. It has a comfortable sense of "Inevitability" about it - strangely enough! Cheers, Viv!! :) john.
Wigley Avatar
March 30, 2015 at 6:23 AM
Yes, I hope my final resting place is somewhere suitably peaceful. Thanks, John. Regards, Viv
Ward Avatar
March 14, 2015 at 6:54 AM
I enjoyed your detailed and atmospheric poem, Viv. //7// Julia, xx
Wigley Avatar
March 19, 2015 at 9:01 PM
Thanks, Julia. A lovely place to spend an hour. Viv x
Yvonne Avatar
March 12, 2015 at 3:55 PM
Just a beautifully written work! Excellent!
Wigley Avatar
March 13, 2015 at 2:43 AM
Thank you Maurice, you're very kind. Still praying for your intentions. God bless. Viv.
Pinet Avatar
March 11, 2015 at 9:36 AM
The metaphors and imagery are perfect. Nice flow of words and a interesting sounding poem with all the right stuff. It paints a picture with words that make you feel them...this is hard to accomplish and you done it well. Emile. #7
Wigley Avatar
March 13, 2015 at 2:47 AM
Thank you, Emile. Sometimes very difficult to convey a sense of place, but I think I pulled it off. Best wishes, Viv
Allison Avatar
March 10, 2015 at 4:26 PM
Gosh not been to Mackworth in many a year - the imagery you portray is beautiful - churches are such peaceful places to visit:-) Hugs Jan xx
Wigley Avatar
March 11, 2015 at 12:06 AM
Thanks, Jan. It's been a favourite walk of mine since childhood. The Church contains the memorials to the Mundy family, dating back to Edward II. The joke was that it was the only Church with more Mundys thans Sundays :) Love , Viv x
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