Austere the arches heaven pointing
above rowed chairs where are expected
the coming Sunday’s congregations:
north aisle has frozen hanging standards
of loyalty and deeds historic:
while visitors eye Shepherd-Saviour
enshrined in sun-stained coloured window,
here moves a priest in green bright
chasuble,
his hands together clasped in shape of prayer,
solemnity has banished
facial smiles,
he bows, he kneels,
he utters sacred words,
the age-hold rituals of sacrament
for which his gathered people
quiet pray,
their long held never changing piety,
the soul of Brecon’s old cathedral
presiding over city’s spirit,
those changes that the times inherit,
preserves over city’s spirit,
those changes that the times inherit,
preserves the qualities of merit that will hold the future’s hopes solicit
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