East window of St Martin-in-the-Fields, London
Week by week I sit
as a choir sings
in front of a window with
a crossing of lines and
an ellipse in the midst.
It is a strange window
for a beautiful space
with decorative plastering
and gilded chandeliers
so well ordered.
I read once the ellipse
was the stone where Jacob
rested his head and dreamed
of a ladder to heaven
with angels upon it.
This week as tuneful voices
render a sorrowful text
my eyes lift with their song
seeing beyond the ellipse
the brightness of day.
‘Beauty is in the eye
of the beholder.’
In my own pains
I give thanks for an image
lifting me beyond myself.
John Twisleton 27 June 2024
