A "Cathedral" at Sea
Finding God in His Wild and Beautiful Creation
There’s been a death in my family. Since I will be dealing with all that that means at least in the immediate future, this week’s and next week’s post will share a poem each that I have written in the past.
Today I’m sharing a poem I wrote after a boat ride off the Southwest corner of Wales to an island. The sea was emerald green and crystal clear; the waves were high, but not dangerously so; the cliffs were spectacular, and I could see many many birds nestled in various nooks and crannies in the cliffs, seated on their bird droppings. The entire scene was so enchanting that I felt I had entered a “Sea Cathedral.” So I wrote a poem.
There are three Welsh words that I include in the poem, that I’d like to define for you. The word “cadeiriol” means “cathedral.” “Cymru” means “Wales” and is pronounced “Come-ree.” “Eglwys” means “church” and is pronounced “egg-lewis.” I hope you enjoy reading my “Cadeiriol of the Sea.” Please excuse how this platform does poetry. In a perfect world, the lines of the verses are not double spaced.
Cadeiriol of the Sea – forever
Praising God, One in Three,
Exalting Blest Myst’ry
Off western coast of Cymru.
Living Spirit Eglwys – deep to deep
Peels forth bells from abyss.
Darkness of errant ways confess
Litany of Dragon’s kiss.
God’s face hovers, mirrors light – translucent
Marble floor reveals to sight
Emerald’s depth and jewel’s height
As waters heave from morn till night.
Nave runs through from cave to cave – high altar
Rood shields eye from what I crave.
Birds sing “aye” in treble stave
Perched on “candle” droppings brave.
Flying buttress upholds vault – for mighty
Organ chamber: Sounds assault
The cliffs. Bombard sprays with salt,
Swell vibrations never halt.
Timeless Sea Cadeiriol – a Pilgrim
Worshiped here, enchantment whole.
Lying prostrate in my soul,
Cadeiriol I behold.
© 2012 Dorothy Gremillion
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