West Malling Abbey St Justus Day Poem by James Tipp

St Justus in Microcosm
(written after St Justus day celebration)

St Mary’s Abbey West Malling
Encircled we stand together
St Justus is on our mind
Inspired by words of frailty
Humanity and courage.
We the heirs of calling
Reflect upon our weaknesses
Upon the weakness of the church.
Can we turn back discouraged
Merely hit by the storms
Of apathy and indifference.
Our cracks are visible and real.
From a distance they are the lines
Etched on others humanity.
The ‘Peace’ is given
The robed and casual kiss
Determined to go on
They in prayer and contemplation
We to our calling in the world.





31




The Cathedral full and brimming
St Justus day at evening.
The pomp has lost its tingle
Removed our spontaneity to ‘be’.
The pilgrims return to a whimper
Small recognition, small celebration
The Primate speaks of ‘Exodus’
I wonder has the Spirit flown
Our Bishop honoured in silence
Whilst we all longed to clap.
What happened to that frail humanity
Spoken of with such passion.
What stifled our celebration
Exorcised our party spirit.
This morning the clouds are pink
A sign of embarrassment
We all colluded in the silences
Celebration exchanged for pomp
The sterility of state.

11th November 2004