TC/0517

"What are these and whence came they?"
(Rev. 7: 13)

The bomb victims first image beyond.
They did not travel in darkness,
Nor walk the valley alone.
In all its glory as they moved,
Eternal values shone.
They did not make an appointment,
Nor wait in shadowy fear.
From life's turmoils their souls set free,
Glimpsed an eternal year.
Is this the secret Lord to me,
The real of living life.
I 've often thought in Psyche haze,
What lies beyond the strife.
They did plan a time to go,
Or wait to intercede.
The Lord of spheres his agents sent,
To meet them in their need.
Though evil reigns go now ye hosts,
Bear oe'r the ether wave.
Their spirits far beyond their ken,
Christ meets them and can save.
We mourn, we fear and feel forlorn,
Yet in the prospect share,
They will return to us no more,
Rather we join them there.
This complex life is more obscured,
As we recall the years.
The patterns blurred the way is dark,
Lord light those inward fears.
Thou Lord the hope of ages gone,
The Star that lights our way.
Illuminate our drooping spirits,
God with us ever stay.
Canon John Linnegan, Retired rector of Cappagh and Lislimnaghan Parishes.

Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION

Ref: TC/0517

Published Date: 03-Sep-98