I want to live
In the consciousness of Christ
To live in his presence
He in mine
I want to see clear-eyed
Into the future
I want a sharp awareness
Of the time
When young I found the Lord
In holy bread
In tabernacle home
And holy light
And as I heard the gospel read
The more convinced became
This is the man
This gospel must be right
I struggled then
Along the priestly road
Dressed in solemn black
Clerical load
The trappings of religion
Left me cold
Except the living word
When told out bold
But outward forms
Are booming empty shells
Ritual rigmarole and bells
Unless we sit in silence
At his side
And let the Lord advise
And criticise
Today All Saints
Reminders loud and clear
Be as pure as Christ
And drive out fear
Witnesses of beatitude
Let us live the same
The world is won by witnesses
All Saints won the game
Brian Fahy
1 November 2021
Erris Poetry 