Topsham by Rev’d Paul Collings
Romans 12: 9 Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.
The native Celtic settlement of Topsham became the port of the Roman city of Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter) in the first century AD, and continued to serve it until the Roman occupation of southern Britain ceased about the year 400. In the 7th century the Saxon rule in East Devon saw the settlement grow into a considerable village.
Many the ship that left this port
Failed to arrive as storms abort
Their passage cross the dangerous seas
Gave rise to grieving loss, dis-ease.
Off, full of hope with mainsail set
Each vessel ventured, orders met
To carry cargo ‘cross the seas
And trade their wares then homeward breeze.
But dangerous waters round the Horn
Turned trading days to ones that mourn,
Each member of the crew on board
Who gave their lives without reward.
Whilst trading ships have long since ceased
From Topsham’s quayside journey’s east,
Yet there are those who risk today
That we might live a certain way.
Lord, never may my wants demand
That others risk their lives or stand
In danger’s way, my whims to fit
But in humility lives uplift.
Be true to yourself, help others, make each day your masterpiece, make friendship a fine art, drink deeply from good books - especially the Bible, build a shelter against a rainy day, give thanks for your blessings and pray for guidance every day. - John Wooden
No comments:
Post a Comment