Gert Strydom Poems

I

Probably at every congregation
and in every church domination
...

There is a light that falls through
the stained glass windows,
a tranquillity that reminds you
that you are in a holy place
...

(in answer to Philip Larkin)

My wife's words come to me:
"hands do go unthinking where they have been"
...

On a day I went to a strange church
where a band plays with drums and guitars,
people stood with their hands streched out against the walls
wanted to share your spirit right there with me.
...

(after D. J. Opperman)

My whole family and I
did pick corn-cobs
...

In the Lucerne field
just beyond the hedge of the berry trees
she takes my hand
...

If I do declare my love to you
every saint would point the finger at us,
a whole church denomination would rise up against us,
would damn us and spare us no words.
...

(after N. P. van Wyk Louw)

In all things that are lovely
that is noble and pure
...

At the Union buildings, in Pretoria
the sun was setting
and that winter night was freezing
at the begging of dusk
...