Sunday’s Poem ~ Eddi’s Service

[Lyd12]

Eddi, priest of St. Wilfrid

In his chapel at Manhood End,

Ordered a midnight service

For such as cared to attend.

But the Saxons were keeping Christmas,

And the night was stormy as well.

Nobody came to service,

Though Eddi rang the bell.

"'Wicked weather for walking,

“Said Eddi of Manhood End.

"But I must go on with the service

For such as care to attend."

The altar-lamps were lighted,

--An old marsh-donkey came,

Bold as a guest invited,

And stared at the guttering flame.

The storm beat on at the windows

,The water splashed on the floor,

And a wet, yoke-weary bullock

Pushed in through the open door."

How do I know what is greatest,

How do I know what is least?

That is My Father's business,"

Said Eddi, Wilfrid's priest."

But -- three are gathered together -

-Listen to me and attend.

I bring good news, my brethren!"

Said Eddi of Manhood End.

And he told the Ox of a Manger

And a Stall in Bethlehem,

And he spoke to the Ass of a Rider,

That rode to Jerusalem.

They steamed and dripped in the chancel,

They listened and never stirred,

While, just as though they were Bishops,

Eddi preached them The World,

Till the gale blew off on the marshes

And the windows showed the day,

And the Ox and the Ass together

Wheeled and clattered away.

And when the Saxons mocked him,

Said Eddi of Manhood End,

,"I dare not shut His chapel

On such as care to attend." 

[sassy59]

A lovely poem Iris and Eddi did the right thing in keeping the chapel open. Thank you for that. Enjoy your Sunday. Xxx🌹💞❤️

[Lyd12 in reply to sassy59]

my daughter in law helped me to put this on line, the poet is Rudyard Kipling. Love Iris x

[Alberta56]

A lovely poem. Kipling wrote some splendid stuff. Thank you. xxxx

[Izb1]

A good poem to read Iris. I quite like a few of Kiplings poems x

[Donald_1931]

Thanks Iris and daughter-in-law, I enjoyed reading that 😊xx

[eleanordigby]

I enjoyed that, it reminded me of the very funny episode of Vicar of Dibley where all the animals and pets come to church and chaos ensues. Poor Eddi could have done with a few of them!

[Morrison10]

thanks Iris and daughter in law, your poem is interesting, think first read at school. Happy days. Jean x

[Greenthorn]

A lovely and quite a mystical poem to read at the beginning of December. Thanks Iris .

[Karenanne61]

I love this poem, thankyou. I gave a copy of it to my mom last Christmas.

[Australia06]

Starting to feel like Christmas Nana, hope you’re all doing well. Wish we could spend it with you xx Rudyard Kipling is one of my favourites

[Lyd12 in reply to Australia06]

you might not like the weather here Sorcha, very cold, I have started to read Vanessa by Hugh Walpole. Heavy book to hold in bed! Keep well love Nana x

[Chilly24]

😍

[JJ_7]

Lovely Poem Iris and helps me get into the Christmas spirit. I wish Eddi had been around during lockdown when I found it so difficult to find a midnight mass. xxx

[Homely2]

Written down at church Norton, near Selsey.

Well worth a visit, a lovely Chapel and lots of wintering wildfowl, so take your binoculars.

[watergazer]

Aww lovely picture in my mind of the poem x

[Patk1]

Loved this,and made me smile.thanku xxx