Hound of Heaven Hymns - A sonnet defying Babel

Poetry list

A sonnet defying Babel

(written on a train between London and Rochester)

This teeming world is full of many tongues
Whose meaning is unknown to me and you.
We live apart like steps or ladder rungs
Each needed for the climb to see the view
Of meaning spanning difference deep divide –
A bridge to make us strong in faith and hope
Where fear is conquered, no one’s life denied,
All held in space – no need for steel or rope.
Give voice and sing the joys of many ways
Whose value runs through all and weaves a web
So fine, a network of our lives and days
That time and tide is blest in flood and ebb.
Our neighbour speaks as blessing true and free
To make us one in greater mystery.