"Wartime Christmas"
(Top): The BBMF Spitfire in flight (June 2011)
(Bottom): The Christmas Candle: a light for the world
In December 1942 Father T.A. (Ambrose) Agius, O.S.B., a Benedictine priest, looked out over the moonlit Kent coastline. He heard the sound of planes overhead and said a prayer for peace. A light shone through in the darkness. He was also inspired him to write a poem, "Wartime Christmas". He sent this to Whitehaven, Cumberland where he had previously been parish priest at St Begh's R.C. Parish (1932 - 1934).
To read this poem, click on 'Comments' below.
posted by ritsonvaljos at 10:36 pm
3 Comments:
Wartime Christmas
I heard the planes go over
With shuttle and with roar;
The moon looked down on Dover,
And lit the winding shore.
It filled the night with beauty,
Our tired world's release:
Old wardens at their duty
Invoked a prayer for peace.
Clear sky above the Manger
Is tremulous with wings,
And "Earth is now no stranger",
The Angel-choir sings:
"Intended was our story
As soon as sin began:
To God on high the glory,
And peace - Ah peace! to man."
T.A. Agius, O.S.B.
(December 1942)
Thank you for posting this. I live in one of the Kent coastal villages largely evacuated in wartime and will read this at our history society Christmas event this week. I am sure it will be greatly enjoyed.
Read Dom Ambrose's WW1 poems on http://agiusww1.com/winged-chariots/
from
a great-nephew
Post a Comment
<< Home