Chester Cathedral
Builders had stripped the sacred centre
And the sound of visitors was constant
The high ceilings carrying their voices
Exclaiming about such ornate beauty,
But it was not the beauty I searched for.
I found part of it in a room most walked straight through;
Quiet candles flickered in rows
And I choked on tears, burning like the flames,
Because people had lit them for hope,
Lit them because they truly loved someone,
Lit from the light of their souls.
Sitting quietly in the seat of centuries of choirs
Amongst woodwork beautiful with history
My heart softly prayed. It had waited for this moment.
Thank you for my time blessed with loved ones and friends,
For that time is mine forever.
And I felt my hand was being held, not by one, by all,
And I knew that time had been freely given,
And it was forever, but not only mine.
My thank you meant not so much as my tears
Or the candles I light in my prayers.With a sigh you breathe in heartache’s chill;
Locked in battles, you’ll remain trialled,
Stealing breaths from a grip that sure breaks will –
Why waste your tears on pain, child?
I was angry to see the chapel they’d made into a café
Where people clinked their empty cups,
But I found something beautiful in the cathedral
And could only wish it had been the same for them.
It’s a case of remembering it’s been part of your life.
Copyright: 1997
Locked in battles, you’ll remain trialled,
Stealing breaths from a grip that sure breaks will –
Why waste your tears on pain, child?
The pure way someone you pleased smiled,
Music that plays chords that bleed deep within –
Here, spill your soul for these, child.
Let tears cool your cheeks as you sing, and show
YOU could make a moment to weep for – while
Your gifts and strengths are everything to know
You’ll love the life that’s yours, child.
For you’ll live the dreams you love so much
And learn sweet laughter when they fly wild;
In each goal you’ll shatter, every heart you touch
You never will quite die, child.
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