Forgotten Monastery

Stark against steel gray sky
Steeples rise sharp
Grazing lowered clouds
of hazed vapor.

Hallowed halls echo
ancient steps treading
remembered paths.

Whispered breaths
of voices once raised
in praise and worship
play soft on gentle breezes
in the folds of time long gone.

Author's Note

Inspired by a photo of an ancient church still standing.
http://pinterest.com/pin/188377196883531330/

Reviews

[John]

A faintly ironic tone sets the church's ambition against the ravages of time. Beautifully modulated. Reminds me of the work of the Irish poet Austin Clarke. Well done, Judy. I wish I could write this well.

[Judy Ponceby]

What a lovely review. Thank you so much for your input. I have not read Austin Clarke and will be interested to read some of his work. Will be interested in reading some of yours as well. Thank you again.

[John]

You're very welcome. Another poet that comes to mind is Philip Larkin. Not very known I think on your side of the pond, but considered one of the best British poets since the War. His poem Church Going deals with a similar theme.

[Judy Ponceby]

I was very taken with Austin Clarke's work that I read and will be reading more. Thank you for telling me of him. I will check out this Philip Larkin fella.

[Judy Ponceby]

Much prefer Sir Clarke's writing I have to tell you. :) Just the sounds of his words blending together is very nice. I think Sir Larkin is a bit um.....stodgy? for me. I hope he doesn't take offense. :)

[John]

For me Larkin combines exquisite craftsman ship with a great verbal inventiveness. I know what you mean by stodginess, but if you can get past that you'll find some of the most memorable poetry in the English language.

[Jeremy Wyatt]

Plenty of auld monastery and grey skies here, emotive and evocative sights, like this poem is Judy x

[Laughing-Bear]

My Dear Writing Friend Judy,
A beautiful thought provoking write from you as usual. I was able to see clearly in my minds eye a building made by hands that sought to connect to God. I thought my monasteries surround me they are the mountain ranges. And I do hear the whispers in the gentle breezes.
When are you going to be published? When you do I would pay gladly for a copy. I hope this spring is your best yet.

Your Adoring Fan in Alaska, Laughing-Bear

[Myenigma]

wow, like your poem and really like the picture of the church it looks really old, spooky yet peaceful and relaxing. the kind of place to find some inner solititude

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Mmm, I am savoring the sounds and images evoked here. Alleluia...

[Ben Taylor]

Vivid.
I was there, for a moment..
Or at least it seemed that way. The words capture the image consummately.
I love it.

[Rene Velez]

Beautiful in It's stillness, a wonderment Judy.

[Kenneth The Poet]

Wow, this is good stuff. Really good stuff.