I have seen the sun break through
to illuminate a small field
for a while, and gone my way
and forgotten it. But that was the
pearl of great price, the one field that had
treasure in it. I realise now
that I must give all that I have
to possess it. Life is not hurrying
on to a receding future, nor hankering after
an imagined past. It is the turning
aside like Moses to the miracle
of the lit bush, to a brightness
that seemed as transitory as your youth
once, but is the eternity that awaits you.
Thank you for posting this. Please note there’s a small omission, it should read “the one field that had the treasure in it.”
Thank you!
I have loved this poem for quite a few years. I can picture RS Thomas, looking out through one of the windows of Saint. Beuno’s Church in Pistyll, which is not far from Nant Gwrtheyrn
In these recent beautiful autumn days, “there’s a certain slant of light” that illuminates the fields as I look across my valley.
It brings this poem to mind, and I can enjoy sharing it with appropriate people.
*Thanks to our dear Emily Dickison.
Thank you for this lovely photo. I’m using it for this evening’s service when I’m reading Thomas’ poem. I hope that’s ok!