Chi - Rho In the Book of Kells
CHI - RHO IN THE BOOK OF KELLS
A millennium and more since it left the Scottish shore,
Chi -Rho Christ’s name
Swirling in an anaesthetising trance induces
The soul-memory back to an isle,
Called Lorn settled by St. Columba and twelve.
Fleeing battle to Kells abbey and to beehive cells
From treeless Iona where Scotland’s fingers
Are first touched by the Atlantic combers -
These first saints, touched by the spirit of the
Beatific vision slanting through beehive window slits,
Imagined that eternity : and each day created a vision
In the eternity of their loneliness and isolation -
Passing a lifetime bringing a second beginning
And illuminating our darkness.
Color alchemists turning orpiment to yellow,
Spirit alchemy distilling green verdigris from copper,
Drying woad for blue powder -
Celtic face-paint in the name of battle; and decoration
In the name of Christ.
.........................................
I'm afraid this poem might seem a bit esoteric. It deals with the physical and philosophical evolution of the famous Book of Kells in Ireland. Perhaps the most beautiful and profoundly moving page is called Chi-Rho. For believers, this book ranks as probably the closest you can get to the word of God.
Copyright © Sidney Beck | Year Posted 2017
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