I watched a programme on television tonight called 'Why Poetry Matters' on BBC 2 presented by Griff Rhys Jones. The programme was about the power of verse, examining it's diverse forms and enduring appeal. It made me think of a poem I used to read from The Friendship Book of Francis Gay. I received the book for Christmas some years ago and read this poem quite a lot when my marriage was breaking up.
The Door of Prayer.
When you feel you are forgotten
And no-one seems to care,
Close the door on all your trouble
And open one in prayer.
Let the light and love surround you
And leave the world behind,
And with the healing gift of prayer
Discover peace of mind.
When your rocky road seems endless
Without a bend or turn,
Light a candle in the darkness
And watch it gently burn.
Seek the hidden strength within you
And find new courage there,
Close the door on all your trouble
And open one in prayer.
Iris Hesselden
The programme tonight was about the more famous and established poets, but I think the fact that I brought this particular piece of poetry to mind after many years, tells me that you don't have to be one of the 'greats' to write something memorable.
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