Every weekday the chimer's of St George's Memorial Church, Oshawa, play a one hour programme of sacred music, interspersed with some secular tunes. The chimers are all amateurs with varying amounts of musical background. They are all largely self taught on their 13 tonne instrument
high above the traffic’s
noontide din
the chimes of st george’s ring
“Stand Up. Stand Up”. “ Holy, Holy, Holy”
“Thou Whose Almighty Word, “Now Thank We All…”
float down upon the busy street
bright bells of faith above the traffic’s noise
sound to a distracted city
calling hearts to reflect, recall, pause
in the busy noontide city
sometimes the traffics rising noise
obscure the melody, the notes are lost
the songs of faith are buried
amongst the world’s care
still the chimes persist
making the silvered notes to rain
upon the city’s noon
habit and hope are recalled, rekindled
when the bells sing
in the middle
of
the
day
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Reviews of "St George's Chimes"
Reviewed by Robin Millikin (Reader)
Reviewed on October 8, 2005
John, imagine my surprise when a chimer from another city, far away told me he had read a poem about the bells of St. George's Memorial, which I am privileged to play as one of the chimers. I really appreciateD your poem, as have other chimers with whom I have shared it, not only St. George's but elsewhere within the chiming community. I was especially taken with the latter part
My home town had churches that always played "bell" song, though it was "canned" or "pre-recorded," but the point got itself across just as St George's does I am quite sure...Ed
When two men hit the reset button and decide to go out looking for the good in the world, they not only find it but also a lot more.
P.S. The title is listed on Amazon under Look for Something Good by Robert Drews (not by Robert H. Drews)
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John, imagine my surprise when a chimer from another city, far away told me he had read a poem about the bells of St. George's Memorial, which I am privileged to play as one of the chimers. I really appreciateD your poem, as have other chimers with whom I have shared it, not only St. George's but elsewhere within the chiming community. I was especially taken with the latter part
'when the bells sing
in the middle
of
the
day"
It is most fitting that they do so.
Regards.
Rob M.
Regis
And such a lovely tune they (and you) sing--beautiful poetry!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :)
Love Tinka
Carmen :-)