Image: a railway platform with the words MIND THE GAP painted for the
benefit of those alighting from the train, so that the letters are upside-down
from the perspective of those waiting to board the train.
Now is the season for journeys home by train
(it has been too long)
‘Ladies and gentlemen, we
apologise for the delay.
It would appear a cow
is wandering along the track; we will resume our journey once
it has been moved.’
Monks took St Cuthbert’s bones at fitful rest
on ox-cart, drawn by wandering cow
that led them up to Dunholm’s crest;
and there they built a holy shrine
raised to the glory of God Most High.
And now a cow, descendant
turns—transforms—us, fellow passengers,
to pilgrims of that higher law:
Forgive us our trespasses, as
we forgive those who trespass against us.
Passengers a-lighting,
please mind the gap
between the holy and the profane.
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