Above: Skellig Michael. "I tell you the thing does not belong to any world that you and I have lived and worked in: it is part of our dream world". George Bernard Shaw.

Poem of the Week

LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT
by Saint John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Listen here to the hymn sung by the Arundel Cathedral Choir.


Lead, Kindly Light, amidst th'encircling gloom,
Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home,
Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene; one step enough for me.


I was not ever thus, nor prayed that Thou
Shouldst lead me on;
I loved to choose and see my path; but now
Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will. Remember not past years!


So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still
Will lead me on.
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till
The night is gone,
And with the morn those angel faces smile,
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile!


Meantime, along the narrow rugged path,
Thyself hast trod,
Lead, Saviour, lead me home in childlike faith,
Home to my God.
To rest forever after earthly strife
In the calm light of everlasting life.

---

The Light of the World by William Holman Hunt (1851-56). Courtesy of Manchester City Art Gallery.

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