The stark black arches of Talley Abbey, Carmarthenshire, South West Wales.
Imagine.
An ancient abbey,
Premonstratensian.
Once a thriving House of God.
Crumbling now, but still
Black arched, a sentinel.
Beside which -
the chalk washed church
which grew as the abbey fell.
Stones from one
taken gratefully and practically
to build the other.
('Robbed out' too harsh a judgement
on such a natural act).
Around the church, the graves,
Grey granite marked, glinting
in the soft Welsh mist
The Ancestors resting in peace. Silent -
save for the call of the two white swans
paired for life upon the nearby lake.
When the time comes,
how blissful a place, I think,
to spend my own Eternity;
Serenaded by swansong,
close by a lake,
in the Land of my Fathers.
The Abbey cloister wall
The little church of St. Michael
The graveyard - with the lake beyond, upon which, two white flecks - the swans.
The church alongside the Abbey.
This post is a contribution to Rebecca's weekly 'Postcards From Paradise' at Recuerda mi Corazon. Please visit her lovely site to read other bloggers contributions.
I love the poem, and the photos, especially the ferns growing out of the old stones. Life continuing....
Posted by: Weaversjournal.wordpress.com | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 11:07
Such a beautiful, peaceful spot.
Posted by: Sherry Smyth | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 15:43
I love ruins! especially of abbeys and churches like these ones you shared. They're so beautiful. I really enjoyed viewing them. Oh, the graveyard with the lake beyond. I could sit there all day.
Hazel
Posted by: Hazel | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 16:02
These are wonderful photos and your poetry works perfectly with them. I wish I could go there. It looks so peaceful and quiet, like one could find their soul there.
Posted by: judie | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 18:54
Beautiful.
Posted by: Olly | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 19:11
I see we share the same love...
the Welsh mountains, rivers and sea they call to me over and over,
my heart anchors after residing there...sigh.
Lovely images and sentiment. x
Posted by: Sue Fox | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 20:52
Love these they are in the land of my father as well. These images makes my heart soar.
Posted by: gemma | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 21:08
what awesome photos; have a nice Sunday
much love...
Posted by: GILLENA COX | Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 21:54
Just beautiful! Such a different landscape! Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Wabi Sabi | Monday, September 16, 2013 at 02:27
Fascinating how long humans have been in this area and left their mark. Nature always wins.
Posted by: Lisa at Greenbow | Monday, September 16, 2013 at 11:43