Beyond these walls

  • Beyond the comma

    Beyond the comma

    As a child, church, God, Jesus, it was all a golden thread woven through life. I don’t remember a time it was not there. Sometimes I’m grateful for that. I grew up on a diet of teaching that was probably not always, but, what I remember could be summed up as: How terrible we are. […]

  • Mary, patron saint.

    Mary, patron saint.

    Mary, patron of those who are faithful to the very last, and beyond the last to still be faithful when all hope is gone. Mary, patron of those who strive to scatter the proud in the imaginations of their hearts. To bring down the powerful from their thrones, and lift up the lowly; To fill the hungry with good things, and send the rich away empty? I wonder, are brave enough to gather here with Mary?

  • In sight of Seriol

    In sight of Seriol

    Enlli, in memory only, as elusive as the silken light  which slips through the clouds of the morning.

  • Sarn Helen

    Sarn Helen

    Tom Bullough’s opening remarks in [Sarn Helen]. He was hoping to find “what, these saints who perceived the divine in the landscape of wales might bring to our relationship with the natural world.” For I too have searched the ancient stories for the wisdom of those who lived in the world”

  • On the coffin trail

    On the coffin trail

    An out of the way place offers a moment to rest on the way though the path is not easy…

  • Breaking

    Breaking

    He was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. Tearing apart of a loaf, as the crust breaks, crumbs fall and the heart is exposed. Bread tears along the strands which cling together like sinews then suddenly part opening up the heart of the loaf. Whole, it is of little use, but […]

  • In the garden

    In the garden

    In the half light shade nor shadow yet distinguished. Expectations come of a dawning; for all in that moment to be well before sleep has properly passed. The beauty of that fragile garden now all but out of reach save for a glimpse of light between trees  in muffled footsteps  in the stillness of the morning A softening of breath gives credence to all that exists Now the darkness, watch and pray.Prayer […]

  • Reflections on a snow day

    Reflections on a snow day

    There used to be such a thing as a snow day – a day for not bothering to try to battle against the weather to get to wherever it is that we needed to be and just take a moment to reflect. This was all but destroyed by the technological capacity to work from home […]

  • Searching for the garden

    Searching for the garden

    The blackthorn is in blossom, the birds are beginning to find their nests once again so spring is, I suppose, upon us as the days begin noticeably to lengthen. WH Auden in his poem ‘For the time being’ writes: “For the garden is the only place there is, but you will not find it Until […]

  • All shall be well: Do not be afraid.

    All shall be well: Do not be afraid.

    A gentle touch. For comfort. For reassurance. Indicating closeness and empathy. Understanding. Words are not needed to say, I’m here, or it’s okay.