A Glass Floor In Slovenia (The church of St. George, Slovenj Gradec)
It took some concentration
to walk on the glass floor
without a thought
for the skeletons below,
their naked bones
and decayed grave goods.
I stepped with care at first
lest my shadow fall
on pelvis, skull or femur.
But listening to the glib guide’s
brief summing of their lives
encouraged heedless steps.
Nothing I do, misstep or dereliction
will disturb their sleep or mine.
Michael Farry
This was written after a visit to a small church in Slovenj Gradec, Slovenia where archaeological remains including graves, skeletal remains and grave goods were left in situ by archaeologists and covered by a glass floor in the church. Some information here and here and here.
The town was also the birthplace of composer Hugo Wolf.
The poem was published in Revival September 2007.
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