2

Awake my soul and with the sun
to St Mary's frozen numb
hours intoning Magnificat Te Deum
eternal father strong to save
all our weakness thou dost know
re-clothe us in our rightful mind
forgive our foolish ways,
in cold nave knives cut pews.

Then pilliwinks
upon the Down’s soft
butterflied encampments
Robson North initiate
typewriter throwing off
the edge fat Preston
jealous poor enshrined
in dog's turd.

One night the revenant Williams
sermon Leaving School
with his companions
down close darkening lanes
they sang their way.
In the turret classroom crammed
cone pouring silver
on a wall one hundred eyes
learn glamorous blessed by
defeat Tobruk.