Secret Dreams Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

The abbot is a saintly man.
He praises me because I can
transcribe and illustrate the word.
So that the gospel may be heard

by other men on other lands,
He says that God has blessed my hands.
Although my frame is poor and weak
and that my talent is unique.


The holy books that I produce.
A bishop would be proud to use
From other duties I am free
save for my calligraphy.

But still pray to God each nigh
to heal my body set me right.
Because I would much rather be
outside and work laboriously.

But I must do as He commands
The abbot says he understands.
How very hard it is for me
to write of things I’ll never see.

Each man must serve as best
he can as soldier priest or husbandman.
To everyman God gave a skill
his part of Gods plan to fulfil.

We are all where we’re meant to be
and must accept this patiently.
I trust the Abbot he is wise
It’s not for us to criticise.

Where we are placed in the great scheme.
but still I am allowed to dream
and in my dreams I’m tall and strong
I need no crutch to get along.

but dreams are not reality.
I am not as I’d like to be.
So I will do the best I can.
As God expects from any man.

Although I sometimes wonder why
I must suffer from such frailty.
It is the cross I have to bear.
My faith in God I can declare

by copying his Holy Word
I wield my quill pen like a sword.
I am to frail and weak to fight
but I have strength and skill to write.

I transcribe and I illustrate
the word of God in copperplate,
in coloured inks of different hues.
My given task I can’t refuse.

The abbot says he can rely
upon my skill and my trained eye.
To train the younger monks to do
the work the way I’ve taught them to.

The time will come when I can’t see.
when old age catches up with me.
The copying will still go on
long after I am dead and gone.

Then I shall reap as I have sown.
My secret dreams to God are known.
I do not think he will condemn
my wish to be like other men.

28-Sep-07