Auld Simon’s Prayer

Kilbirnie

Auld Simon is an unused Church in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland O gentle bell, which rests
within the tower; The clock is wound to guard each sleeping hour, Upon the Johnshill Brae where
birds take flight,
O Presence, Keep us sober, safe, tonight. O shadows long, which cast upon the
gates, Darkened thoughts of hopes deferred and hate, Love, illuminate my thought with golden
threads, And give me purer, higher, better paths to tread. Of youth who drink and dance upon the
tombs, Amidst the birds as sunset hour looms, Gentle Love who always knows me best, Keep me
here within your gentle breast. If your old brow does gusts of snow impart A wintry breeze does
surely hit the heart, Love, show me snowdrops during that cold spell, And fill my ears with dear
Auld Simon´s bell.