The Empty Pew

Written on Penelope Betjeman’s admission to the Roman Catholic Church, 1948

In the perspective of Eternity

    The pain is nothing, now you go away

    Above the steaming thatch how silver-grey

Our chiming church tower, calling ‘Come to me

My Sunday-sleeping villagers!’ And she,

    Still half my life, kneels now with those who say

    ‘Take courage, daughter. Never cease to pray

God’s grace will break him of his heresy.’

I, present with our Church of England few

    At the dear words of Consecration see

    The chalice lifted, hear the sanctus chime

And glance across to that deserted pew.

    In the Perspective of Eternity

    The pain is nothing — but, ah God, in Time.