Ignis Pastoralis (Pastoral Fire)
(A Poem for Fr. Clement Jolly, C.Ss. R.)
In his heart he bears the flame
Of life
There,
Pure white candles light the fire
Of his fervour for the Lord
Of his fight for social justice
His continuing search for Truth
Pure white candles
On glittering golden stands
From which emanate
Frames of courage
Words of compassion
And passionate prayers
Like flowers and buds
Teaching the power of love
To the meek and to the haughty
To the filled and to the hungry
In his heart he bears the burden
Of the downtrodden
Of the homeless and oppressed
Peers by the light of
Pure white candles
Pervasive incandescence
Of peace
Flowing from the gentle soul
Of Euchariststic joy
Body and blood of sacrifice
Pure white candles Illuminating the way To God's pastoral path The deliverance of the cross To share the faith of His deep love Through words and deeds To one and all The Blessed Lady's call
Ignis Pastoralis
Warm pastoral ardour
Embossing the soul
With golden proses
Adorning pages in numerous volumes of
His patient textual cadences
And I recall
The call to Christ-like living
A medal for an innocent child
Not yet gone wild
A Rosary for a faithful saint
The capturing of native histories
In journeys of the Rainbow
Christopher E. Loblack
And other works of art
Waxing the worries
Into virgin verses
And giving hope
Dripping from the stand
Of pure white candles
Still burning are these pure white candles Still standing are these
Gilded stances
Still flowing is that caring pastoral
Kindness
Unquenchable,
Unmatched
Warm radiant peace
Ignis Pastoralis
And how do I capture the glow
Of that deep love and care
And such bucolic joy
So rare?
A humble heart
A gentle strength
That glimmers
Through these pure white candles
Of that pastoral fire
A Jolly flame
That beams from heaven
Eternally…
(arundell, 2017)