Last days ...

A hot sky glares down

on the gathering crowd as

Bob’s people come flocking, 
eager to honour him,

to tell him they love him,

they’ll miss his bluff presence

and wish him the best.

He’s a brave man in crisis,

on the edge of dark fears,

but he steadies before us

as his mind - always striving -

raises deep questions,

brings hope to the hopeless

and leads us to prayer.

Our much loved old priest

just wants to keep working.

But there's no room for compromise,

even less for the face-offs with

the powerful world of the prelate elite.

Bob’s losing his sanctuary,

church, garden, home,

that place of rich purpose

through thirty eight years.

His mission is tireless, legendary, true.

He’s the soul of the parish,

a maverick's world,

where the poor and the broken

come, garner some strength

from kind words, a few jokes,

smiles, warmth and bread.

We hoped he’d enjoy

a gentle old age -

the peace of his garden,

some fine treasured moments

in this quiet sacred space.

But now when his years

should be safer and calm,

not haunted by grief,

or uncertainty’s burdens,

rough storms swirl around him,

cause him to fear.

Truth takes a beating.

Promises shatter.

Such a great priest, still needed,

but a good man forsaken.

No gold watch for service,

no final acknowledgements.

All is shrouded in secrets

as his church casts him out!

What’s wrong with this picture,

Bob's heartless eviction?

Contempt for his chapter of sterling achievement?

Bob's blindsided, ditched,

even labelled 'a crazy',

while an archbishop toys with him,

imposes his will.

Our priest has been silenced,

too vocal for some.

Heaven help those who speak up,

who tackle raw issues,

help life’s human failures.

It’s tough work on the ground.

We're chasing belief,

some faith in the system,


as we plead for compassion,

hope for a miracle.



But that’s fairy tale magic.


And anger is rising


as this last day has come 

and we find there is none.

 And where will Bob go

now his last mass is done?

And what thoughts will rise up
when alone in his room,
he finds his new quarters

a strange place, not home,

as he sits there in silence,

to pray to his God?

© Barbara Boyd-Anderson, 29/01/2012