On ode to a pew

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Thu, 25 Sep 2025
  • 141 reads
7 comments
 

The old wooden pews
few chapels now use –
where many could be fitted in,
with a sense of community
of others’ needs, unity
and together harmoniously sing

… though it could be a bit of a squeeze
with nudges of elbows and knees
of strangers and friends, families:
with wriggles and sneezes
(not infectiious!) and wheezes,
but concentration,
alertness, attention, 
incidentally discerning
the troubles of many there learning.

Some so well designed,
made with good ergonomics in mind –
seat reasonably wide –
others too narrow for a sitting backside,
with supporting back steep
– to help tired mothers and others
keep from falling asleep?

But when sat on a padded chair,
are we then less aware
of our neighbours’
concerns and endeavours,
less pressure to share
to bond, or care?
The comfort relaxing,
distracting
your mind from ears’ capture
of the message of scripture? –
that strengthening gift
which to worship hearts lift.   

[IP:  furniture]

 

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Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Some brilliant rhythm and rhyme in your poem Rhiannon.

Each line thought out so well.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Jenny. This one took a lot of working out, honing, reading through and finding it wasn't clear, or not runnning smoothly, or too wordy etc.! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

thank you for the cherries, whoever gives! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

I stopped going to church because you can't smoke had to slip in and out when the minister was praying and everyone had their eyes closed. At least I don't have that excuse anymore! In the Methodist they are bit more lighthearted they always bring a little bit of humour into a sermon.

Your poem makes me think of the gospel singer Don Francisco, I don't care how steep your steeple is, pads upon your pews, but have you done the things I've said? Do you love your neighbour, your family? etc

See you! Tom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Yes, it is easy to concentrate on the wrong things, the outer comforts and beauty of people or place. And also to point the finger at others' hypocrisies. If we are right with God and honest and sorry and accepting his grace and mercy, we are in a position to try help others practically and spiritually rather than criticise.

Interestingly I have sat in many pews quite comfortably, but those in the photograph here, which are going to have to be removed because of problems in the floor - it is a very old building - are the only really uncomfortable ones I've sat in, and there are a few ordinary chairs at the back for those who find them too difficult! It is a lovely congregation where mjy husband preaches quite often. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

Such interesting, practical questions you raise, whether one is distracted by by an uncomfy seat, or kept awake, and if these were considerations of the carpenters, or it might have been the price of wood, or space for the seating! And as Jenny says, wonderful rhymes and rhythm, a truly skilled and musical poem. And it is lovely to see your chapel, pure as a flower

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you. I heard of a minister, quite a while ago, who was asked to go to a church as pastor, and they had just replaced their pews with chairs. But soon, the chapel was getting overful, and he asked for the chairs to be replaced again by pews, so more could be accommodated. But he was a doctor, and had the pews designed ergonomically and with good wood, and they were comfortable. I think they are still there in use! Rhiannon