The Abbey grounds

I did not think just then about the end
That we too would   struck by time and place
As we stood in ruined Abbey’s ground

Underneath the cliff, the swishing sounds
The waves all riding,dying in the race
I did not think just then about the end

From the sky  did love like rain descend
As I yielded to your  piercing gaze?
Then we stood in ruined Abbey’s ground

Your heart was   in the hills,my honey found.
Not even Africa itself would this erase
I did not think just then about the end

Now I see the shadow and the mound
Now I grieve for want of your dear face
Like when we  loved in Whitby Abbey’s grounds

In the  child’s loved landscapes, self is made
May nothing spoil such worship nor degrade
I did not think just then about the end
I stand in reverie  on holy ground.