<% $current = 'no'; $month = ''; $contestwinner = 'no'; $contestname = ''; $last_archive = '1339'; //Must match file name of last archive $last_update = 'December 2009'; %> <% include 'poemof_header.php'; %> Poem of The Month

Pilgrim Road


After the day's long business is over
All the words are spoken and the spells are spun,
I hear the larks call somewhere in the evening
It is time to venture out beyond the town.

Linger no longer; silken tongues and mantles
Poison the mind and weaken world-worn limbs.
What price the chattered nonsense of the sparrows?
Let me hear once more the music of the wind!

Let me be gone in silence to my dwelling
Naked and unafraid to wash myself in truth.
Cleanse myself long; the coldness of her waters
Burns my self-pity and restores the strength of youth.

Take to myself the rough and simple clothing,
Fitted for a man, a pilgrim and a priest.
Walk along the narrow road, windswept and lonely,
With oil in my lantern, to the bridegroom's feast!

Ewan MacPherson
Wells
Somerset UK
ewpomacpherson@googlemail.com
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