A Retiring Priest

There are times in everyone's journey of life when new paths open up. Some may be chosen or unexpected, whilst some are inevitable. Each one presents us with opportunities to learn and to grow. When Peter Walker retired there was inevitably some sense of loss, especially of the close relationship he'd had with his community and of the sacred rituals he'd felt privileged to conduct as a priest. On the other hand, he could devote more time to his own family and to new interests. This collection of poems therefore naturally charts the journey from 'There' to 'Here' as his path unfolds to a different way of life and calling. The first part reflects on priestly concerns whilst the second is more personal and observant of everyday life and nature, no less sacred. Taken as a whole, these poems, says Peter, "deal with our human brokenness, our sense of mortality and our deep human need for love, community and our search for spiritual truths."