In the Silence

Priesting retreat, Foxhill, 6-8th June 2013

Far from the madding crowd,
Where arboreal guardians surround,
I enter the symphony of silence.

This chorale is accompanied by birdsong chatter
And tea cup’s clatter.
The crowd’s cacophonous call cannot compete
With the overture of perfect peace.
Here, I lay down to rest.

My mind is stretched and put to the test,
By the task that lies ahead.
Where the world’s competing calls cry and crow
Cajoling us to march to their beat.
The demand for a pastor who works ever faster;
A priest who can juggle and fly.
A vicar who’s slicker
Who stops people bicker
Whilst maintaining their cool all the while.

There is relief in this quiet place.
This ridiculous raucous racket of requests
Finds no traction in the echo of silence.
My reality rests in eternity’s breast,
In the closeness of one quiet call.
The Father’s word is heard;
Calling the sinner home;
Holding and healing
Blessing and dreaming
Of how heaven’s hymn could be sung.

In this silent place,
The soloist’s song soars,
‘Do not fear,
For I have redeemed you,
I have called you by name,
You are mine.’
In the swelling symphonic song of silence,
I sing my eternal refrain,
‘Here I am, send me!’