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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CHRIST IN BRITAIN: 24. SAINT HILDA by THOMAS SAMUEL JONES JR.

First Line: IN HOLLOW PASTURES MISTED WITH THE SPUME
Last Line: HIGH IN HER GARTH ABOVE THE LONELY SEA.
Subject(s): GREAT BRITAIN - HISTORY; HILDA, SAINT (614-680); ENGLISH HISTORY; HILD, SAINT; WHITBY, ABBESS OF;
In hollow pastures misted with the spume
Of waves that crash against the minster wall
Hild counseled kings or won, as Christ's own thrall,
A savage thane, crowned with a heron's plume;
And when faint candles lit the winter gloom,
The cowherd's harp rang through her rush-strewn hall,
While white nuns listening heard how angels fall
And wove the tale to deck a hero's tomb.

Her lost world fades into the centuries' night,
With all the wonder of old simple things --
Great visions seen and starry hopes set free;
Yet still men seek her where the Rood shines bright
Against the ancient dust, and Caedmon sings
High in her garth above the lonely sea.



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