Sandstone, the softest of rocks

Yet after a thousand years

here you still are

arms spreading wide to us all

speaking of life

of warmth and fertility

 

You are pagan

made by a pagan

I am not of your faith

But the man who made you knew

that life springs from a source divine.

Your face is not empty

and there may still be blessing

in reaching out in this place.

Your place

 

In this place, a people

steeped in blood, war and horror

can still speak to us a millennium later

with a message of peace and harmony.

They were not just longboats and pillage.

They too hoped for something better.

 

We will remember you.

We will remember your call

to raise our eyes to the highest that we know.

We will remember to be grateful

and not take for granted

the precious gift of life.

 

A goddess should have an offering.

We bring you these words

of appreciation and determination to live well

and hope that they will suffice.