4
(Nones)
Swallows dancing
At the eaves:
An architecture
Of song.
Round worlds:
Nests take
The form of heaven
The form of earth.
Lined soft,
Down heartbeat,
Safe and sound.
—
6
(Compline)
A perfect moon
In a perfect sky:
Perfect hymn,
Perfect prayer.
All night
In dew-wet fields
Lambs call to their mothers,
Mothers to their lambs.
On shrouded paths:
Solomon’s seal,
Lily of the valley.
Simple grace.
—
The original Hours of Prayer were seven, but over time some combined together, like Matins and Lauds at sunrise, and some seem to have been dropped, or abbreviated, like the Vigils throughout the night. We are poorer for some freedoms. The rhythms and tides of quiet attention lock us into a humbler being within the world.
simonhlilly 
How lovely this is. A Series of prayers throughout the day. I think in this hectic and chaotic world one might have to find this kind of peace in a convent or monastic environment, in nature, or else somewhere in our deepest and quietest selves, if we are disciplined enough.
Many thanks, Gerry. It’s not just the peace we are missing, but also the engagement with the time and tides of the day, I think..
Simon I’m afraid I re-posted the two together yesterday, in separate posts. Very nice. They got much play on my side. Best >KB
Many thanks! I may have to resplice and re-number sometime!