Looking to Ynys Enlli

Flenin Fawr: Looking over to Ynys Enlli (Bardsey Island) from the Pilgrim Steps

Gazing at the view

that hasn't changed in a 1000 years

knowing

my brethren sat here

on these very rocks

gazing at Ynys Enlli 

their faith destination

pilgrims nearing journey's end

I feel you could jump in

and swim the short channel

the island within touching distance

on this calm, sunny day

but no!

these waters are treacherous

with underwater currents

hidden rock formations

gloop holes sucking and spewing

This was a pilgrimage of courage

and sacrifice

to the island of 20,000 saints

My heart lifts

breathing in the salt sea air

relishing the safety of solid rock

as crashing waves break below

yet the sun is shining down today

and there is little threat

How must it have been

for those pilgrims long ago?

Travelling here on foot

traversing rocky paths

wind and rain lashing with force

What faith drove them on?

What devotion or love or even fear?

Whatever the pull You filled their minds

thoughts of God and eternity

of heaven, perhaps even of hell

but You were the focus

and today we follow in their footsteps

Faith has called us here

a Divine set up

and I sense your joy that

you've led us to this special place

right on the edge of the world.