It’s standing still
That little church in Hindsford
Though closed up nigh on twenty years
I bet it feels the chill
By rights they should have knocked it
But someone said you can’t do that
It’s beautiful it stays
And so a preservation order
Saved it from the ‘dozers
And weather will do what ‘dozers didn’t
Wear it all away
And one day ruination
Will bring the building down
Too dangerous to leave
Knock it down
It was a little gem
No doubt about it
Sandstone house of God
Stained glass too
And local people loved their little church
Proud of it they were
So am I
I learned so much inside that little church
Crib and cross and stations
Tabernacle too
Sanctuary lamp bright burning
The Lord is here with you
And men’s strong voices
Singing in the choir
And Lanky folk and Irish folk
Mixing in together
The little school next door
The parish house
A little enclave
Good community
What a way to start your way in life
So warm and friendly
The centre of the world
Brian Fahy
7 March 2023
Erris Poetry 