The Tower Poem

Poem by Helen Wilson

In presenting her poem, "The Tower”, Helen spoke a little about the poem, and how she came to write it. The following are her words,

“Whenever I’m moved by something, almost anything, a poem usually follows, often not very good, but it has become a hobby, which whilst acknowledging that my style (being in rhyme and some attempt at metre) is way out of date, it’s a hobby that I’ve come to very much enjoy.

In terms of this particular poem, I had attended the 50 year reunion of my group in September last year. It was the first reunion I had attended since leaving in 1963.

The ensuing year has brought enormous joy to me. I have formed new friendships, which I know will be for life.

The fun that’s been had in the reminiscences and the continued emergence of memories has just been remarkable, and very special.

It occurred to me that there had to be a reason for this “specialness”, and wondered if it had something to do with our time of life, and decided that it probably had. It seemed to me that the modern world provides a great impetus at times, to retreat to somewhere else, and that other place can well be the past.

That all gave rise to the first half of the poem. I initially thought that I’d place a link to it on the Past Pupils Face Book site, so that anyone interested could just go there and have a read, but couldn’t find a way to do it, so noticing the email address, I emailed it, when a few weeks later, I received Denise’s response, so here I am.

I think we all remember the almost iconic view we always had of the tower, not the least reason, for which, I suspect, apart from its beauty, was that it was out of bounds, due to lack of safety, in our day. So I used it metaphorically as the focus of the poem and its title.

The first half initially was the whole poem, until I read Kate Whisson’s post on the Past Pupils Facebook site, regarding the proposed trip to East Timor, by the current Year 12 students, to work with the local people on various projects, in lieu of a “schoolies” type celebration. Well to say that I was moved is a huge understatement! After I’d dried my eyes, I wrote the second half of the poem, which meant a shift in theme, but also a greater alignment of the theme with the present day. Given that, I hope it’s not too disjointed”.

The Tower

There’s a Tower, never really out of sight,

which provides a beacon,

regardless of their flight,

to a certain group of women,

who, wherever they may be,

will never lose the vision

of its strength and certainty.

Oh, Tower of Kilbreda,

and all you represent…

How much we owe your vision

and the years we so well spent…

All the days of learning,

the fun, the growing up.

Now the memories returning,

bring an overflowing cup.

‘Tho we may lose contact,

sometimes for many years,

when we finally meet again,

despite some doubts and fears,

we find a new dimension

to what life has become.

A joy in reconnection,

inexplicable to some.

As old age approaches,

and the future encroaches,

we find comfort in the past.

And yet greater comfort

in those with whom we shared it,

and will share it at the last.

When that past is grounded

in the values which will see us through all strife ,

an education founded

on a beautiful tradition of an exemplary life,

the comfort is the greater,

as is the will, to share.

Despite the years of losing touch,

for the place we loved and for all with whom we shared it,

we will surely always care.

There is something which will call us back,

no matter where we roam.

The vision of Kilbreda’s Tower, will ever lead us home.

What of our Alma Mater in the present day.

Does the beacon of the Tower still guide her youth upon their way?

Or did the new century bring a materialistic view?

Must less spiritual values now see her students through?

It’s not difficult today, to form such an expectation.

But …discovery of the truth brings a deeply proud elation !

In this the “ schoolies” era, how have our girls discerned?

Is there a will today, to live the values they have learned ?

The answer surely lies in the choices they have made.

The choice to celebrate the advent of adulthood,

in a journey of self- sacrifice, generosity and good,

means all doubt , by this choice , is well and truly laid.

. . . . .

Oh, Tower of Kilbreda,

how proud you will now be,

as your beacon lights the way, in the current century.

Your lighted path will lead directly to the poor,

Where Kilbreda’s youth will serve,

bringing honour to your door.

Let us now wish them luck and send them on their way,

secure in the knowledge that on that final day ,

when their service is complete, when they need no more to roam,

the vision of Kilbreda’s Tower is here to guide them home.

8/6/2015.