After Gerard Manley Hopkins
Sung to the tune ‘Ellers’

Here, Lord, we stand all-hallowed and benign;
Cosied by care, secure that nothing may
Disturb our sheltered sleep, while undivine
Frightful a nightfall folds a rueful day.

Here, Lord, we stand full-knowledged and aware;
Watchfully heedless of sorrow and dismay;
Dull to the cries of anguish and despair,
While frightful a nightfall folds a rueful day.

Here Lord we stand, derisory, inept
Experts in vacillation and delay;
Hassle and harass and tussle-free adept,
While frightful a nightfall folds a rueful day.

Forgive us, Lord, our mindless unresolve
Our wilful failure to follow and obey –
‘To love our neighbour as we love ourselves’
As frightful a nightfall folds a rueful day.

Task us, O Lord, with ceaseless, astute toil;
Transform our self-absorbèd lives we pray;
Dare us to selfless living, lest for aye
Frightful a nightfall folds a rueful day.