At close of day
As folk retire to bed
The fire of day dies down
An ashes bed
And ashes raked
Protect the sleeping flame
Till morning stirs
And life begins again
A new day brings
More turf upon the fire
Life is stirred once more
A leaping flame
Tea is made
And boxty
And breakfast on the table
The world is warmed once more
The happy home
Pope John called a council
Stirred the embers
Lit a fire
Renewed a dormant church
Now Francis calls a synod
Asks the question
Stir into flame
A church that needs so much
Brian Fahy
11 October 2021
+ The Second Vatican Council began on this day 11th October 1962.