Low Church Minister


Adjusting his pocket watch by the pendulum clock in the hall
With its glass case of partridges and mahogany chair,
Septimus Sears, clutching his worn bible
and the “Clifton hymnal”,
Stepped out of Holly Cottage to the leaf blustering
Autumn air.

Ignoring Anglican bells, his beard ruffled
in the sharp East wind,
He remembered his calling:
“I am full of tossings to and fro”*
And turned down Church Street with his mind on the souls
of the saved and sinned
Towards the New Strict Baptist Chapel,
the Ark of his dream long ago.


*Job7:4

Images is the latest selection of poetry by Peter Topley.
It ranges from personal poems which explore the beginning and end of life, such as Birth and Millennium Passing, to more public, geographical descriptions such as the international Madison and the local Pond. There are also poems which speak of faith, people and landscape.
This is Peter's seventh collection. The first published for eighteen years it expresses a more reflective vision of his world.

If people wish to purchase the book by post (UK) it would be £2.50 + 70p postage and packing (ie £3.20).

Peter can be contacted at Peter Topley

All poems © Peter Topley