Strength of Magnus

Brutal Beauty

Huge columns of stone stand strong and tall

comprising of rich red and yellow sandstone 

creating an imposing atmosphere in this church

yet a place for prayer and contemplation alone

shafts of light stream through upper windows

creating different areas of shadow and light

beautiful vaulted ceiling above Norman arches

St Magnus Cathedral is an imposing sight

along the walls of the side aisles are gravestones

which are covered in symbols of `memento mori`

for the great were buried beneath the church floor

these carved stones are dated to the 17th century

this weathered church in the centre of the town

and even sometimes known as the pink Cathedral

starting point for the annual Christmas Baa

definitely an important building for the people

standing proud above the rooftops of Kirkwall

St Magnus Cathedral is the heart of the community

full of beauty and Orcadian tradition

this historically old masterpiece of dignity

(C) Lissie`s Poems 2023