Our Pilgrimage to Oberammergau
A Poem by Julie and Anne Inge

A party of intrepid folk from Welwyn, you'll remember,
Set out for Oberammergau at dawn this past September,
At Heathrow Airport gathered in another 'Bedford' group
Which made a happy travelling band, which some might call a "troupe".

In Kitzbühl Father Michael might have caused some real amaze,
Hans met his grooming needs so well; they all could only gaze!
Like oysters in the "Walrus" tale, who never paused or lingered,
His hair was brushed, his eyebrows trimmed, and every finger fingered.

As if this sight was not enough to gladden every eye,
They went by mountain railway to where paragliders fly…
And exercised their powers of sight, and all their wondering wits,
To see the lake, and mountain sights, and where were Messerschmitts!

And if you seek to lift your heart and mind into the blue,
The Gaisberg waits, in lofty cloud, from chairlift you can view.
For those whose special love and aim is music from the heart,
Came Salzburg and the magic sounds created by Mozart —
To hear those strains, and see those sights so wonderfully inspiring,
Was great adventure, even though at times, one whispered "tiring!"

Chill mist obscured Großglockner in a darkening band of cloud,
But they procured some photographs of which they were quite proud
Although 'twas found the camera was owned by "someone other",
To be relinquished on the spot, before he made a bother!!

They'll not forget the gentle cows descending from their greenery,
Bedecked by mountain garlands lending rural charm to scenery.

And though they have great beauty here in England, their best home,
Our travellers gazed at Innsbruck, when the guide showed them "The Dome".
Converted from the Gothic, to the grandeur of Baroque,
It leaves the viewer much in awe with thoughts of light and hope.
Above the altar, enshrined far from mortal man below,
The famous Cranach painting seems like beacon light, to glow.

Then came the purpose of the trip, the famous "Passion Play",
The trumpet sounded at the start, 'twas no time to delay.
To every heart the Drama spoke, of suffering bravely borne,
By One who wore a painful crown, fashioned from savage thorn.

No special training -how to move, or how project the voice,
The players tell the Passion Tale, of He who died from choice,
To strengthen Faith, direct man's thought, to giving and forgiving
The essence of the Play to show "The Way of Life" for Living.

Although the journey home was dogged by six long hours of waiting —
The group returned so well refreshed, they felt like celebrating!
Especially when, for their last gift "The Present" was explained —
Much food for thought, by which our lives can surely be retrained!

†

© Julie and Anne Inge 2000