Fife’s heavenly horizons

Craigie reader Ruth Walker is a constant source of creativity, and today she brings us a poem she has written in homage to her Fife home parish, where her father was the minister for 17 years.

The St Andrews resident says this untitled verse was inspired by a walk from Kemback Manse to the village hall at nearby Blebo Craigs for a Sunday afternoon service.

“There was a time, once, when we three walked up Jacob’s Ladder,

“That is what they called the steps then. “The road at the top was quiet, low cottages turned their backs on us.

“We followed the road until we reached the hall, pushing open the unsnecked door

“To feel the warmth of crackling flames.

“My mother gathered her music, climbed up

“On to the stage, preparing to play the piano.

“My father disappeared to put on his gown

“I sat on a chair waiting for the gathering. “I heard footsteps, a pause, then the usual few / Rosy faced, stoutly shod shyly entering.

“We nodded at each other, settled down “Struck a chord, and then there was a sound as of a mighty, rushing wind

“When my father pushed open the door at the back, walked forward,

“To stand like a prophet ready to announce the first hymn.

“We sang and croaked as best we could “Then sat to hear the Word of God. “I gazed out at a garden full of cabbages “Set within the window frame. “After the sermon, the blessing ,and the Amen

“I helped count the offering, gather up the hymn books.

“I always liked walking home, watching the sun

“Dip behind the hills. Down, down, we came

“Back to the Manse and our Rayburn stove.

“There would be school tomorrow “Homework to be handed in, but, for a while

“Reality had been suspended.

“I remembered the frost, the fire “The wind, clouds parted, “Giving us all a glimpse of heaven.”