Crook of Sages by john clare

Crook of Sages

by john clare


Cradled in the forward crook of the gentle arm

We journey through the yard in happy venture
First stop along the path our favorite flower

Mrs Bee hovers over and you feel no alarm.


You raise your eyes and what is it you see?

My cloudy eye peers but cannot discern
In my waning years so much to learn

And from the crook a voice, I'll teach thee.


There upon that limb sits our guardian friend

It may seem like the little mourning dove
But close your earthly eyes and look farther above

See the mighty Holy Spirit upon the wind.

We bowed in worship at the glorious sight

Through an infants eyes I could see
I held him and cried out for mercy!

Before us the transfiguration in uncreated light


Then all was well my soul was at rest

The cricket chorus and the pink streaks of sunset
bore witness to the wonders we had met

And in marvelous majesty we simply praised and blessed.


The favorite flower bloomed a brighter hue

The mourning dove perched upon a higher limb
And in the crook he spoke to all of them

And through the infant I heard them too.