Winning Poem

Promise to the Pilgrim.
by Brendan Henderson,, Cabinteely Close

To ancient burial place
ancestral spirits call across the ages,
'Pilgrim, come, pray with us';
Renewing hope of resurrection.

The waking call of crowing fowl,
The caw of rook from nest on high,
And lowing of the cattle tell
That all the earth makes ready for a new dawn.

Slanting beams of morning sun
Dance across the dew kissed vale,
The flowing water where all nature sups
Chants out its eternal hymn.


Through verdant pastures and tree mantled lanes
The Shepherd guides His flock,
The bell of hillside church
Pealing out its worship call.


Stony walls of this hallowed place
With its beacon cross, all now silent,
Echo to whispered prayer and chant,
'Pilgrim, go in peace and sin no more';
The promise of salvation.