Iona Abbey

image: http://tvrfan.deviantart.com/art/The-path-at-night-Updated-73067995

(I wrote this in 2002 on Iona, after attending Compline (night prayer) in the Abbey, and experiencing the walk to and from.)

Blind -

Pressing embrace of darkness,

Eyes straining for a hint of path,

Feet feeling for gravel,

Trembling.

I fear, but yearn,

And finally find my way

To the sanctuary.

Silenced -

Breath caught in holy wonder

At the whisper of a voice, words

That Breathe in

The wind

Through cracked stone.

And finally my heart cracks open

To hear.

Stilled -

By the weight I feel on every

Inch of my skin - you pressing in,

Spirit of matter,

You pour

Over my edge,

Flooding me full

To bursting.

And here is my prayer.

Guide in the Dark Night,

Voice on the Breathing Wind,

Full Weight of all Creation,
Let me stay. 

by Lori Martin, 2002