Stefanie Lillie©2022

Pious Monks of Long ago
Haunting ruins,
Fountains Abbey,
Destroyed by God's foe.

Vows of poverty 
a hollow promise,
When living in our
Country's richest Abbey.

A vast estate seized,
satisfying Henry's hate 
and greed.
Sanctuary no more 
for the county's poor.

Monks from wealthy families,
fed a pittance once a week.
A hearty soup to feed their soul,
giving strength to pray upon their knees, 
undisturbed by worldly woes.

Lay monks working in the fields,
Rough hewn clothes to show their servitude.
labouring to ensure a place in heaven,
chair monks reap what they have sown.

A palace to God.
A Heavenly place ensured.
To this day
The hierarchy endures.