Cuthbert’s Island - off the South West of
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne
Photo: Pam, my wife.
#HolyIsland of #Lindisfarne and a New Chapter.
Pam, my wife, and I have just spent a delightful two weeks on
The Holy Island of Lindisfarne, just off the Northumbrian coast,
a few miles south of the Scottish/ English border. Lindisfarne is
joined to the mainland by a causeway which at high tides means
the small island is cut off from the mainland: residents, tourists
and pilgrims all have to beware of trying to cross as the tide
comes in. and that has been the way of life for centuries;
possibly even for millennia.
For those who make Lindisfarne a place of Pilgrimage, because
of it’s history of being the home of St Aidan and St Cuthbert, and
other Celtic saints, a walk across the causeway is a very special
experience. And for those who have the time, there is a further
stage of pilgrimage to complete their journey. This is to walk, at
low tide, from Lindisfarne itself to the little islet called Cuthbert’s
Island in the South West of the larger island, because,Bede tells
us that was where the Saint retired to when he wanted to be in
the peace of God’s presence, rather than in communication with
the other members of the 7th century monastery.
Today’s Climerick is about that little islet which has real
significance for today: if sea levels rise, as many scientists
predict, the island will disappear under the waves, not just
at high tide but with the tide level equivalents of low tide. For a
while the grassy top will be able to be visited by boat – but
maybe fairly soon, even that won’t be possible.
How very, very sad that will be. The end of a pilgrim route for
centuries and maybe a place of some other sort of homage for
millennia: and we, the human race, will have wrecked it. Unless
some visionary state leaders are determined to STOP fossil
fuels NOW.
Climericks, well used, could help bring that about through YOU
and YOUR FRIENDS .But right now follow the link to fill in a bit
more of a very special story which is likely to be about to end.
As part of this initiative, Canon Sarah Hills, the Vicar of Holy
Island is going to display a small number of Climericks in the
Church of St Mary. Those Climericks will lead to others and
perhaps begin to build a momentum that will land on the desks
of recalcitrant politicians and fossil fuel company executives.
And here’s a jointly written Climerick between me and John
Hobbs of Vancouver Island about Cuthbert’s Island .
As I gaze on this spiritual place
I am saddened to think we might face
Its coming demise
As deepening seas
Overwhelm Cuthbert's Islet of Grace.
If YOU care about the planet, please follow the links and share this post as far as you possibly can.
Find more about the thinking behind the growing collection of CLIMERICKS HERE
