Marvels and Miracles

Abstract

Marvels and Miracles Brian Cox Talmont on the Gironde For A. E. Dyson, 1928–2002 At Talmont pilgrims paused and prayed en route for Compostela: paused to worship miracles, while we stop here to marvel that the sea never destroyed this little church, perilous on its rocky perch. An ancient graveyard overrun by flowers, bright in midday sun —ground lilac, roses, hollyhock— welcomes us and makes me think of Tony, friend of fifty years, who would have loved these quiet ways. Inside the church, stone-cool and calm, two euros buy a candle flame. I've not observed these rites before. I light the wick and then withdraw to gaze at flowers beyond the porch. I feel you're here: our final watch. [End Page 327] St. Paul's Bay, Malta Small fishing boats, bright greens and blues, sport on their prow black slitted eyes of Osiris to ward off jinns; and yet they give their craft the names of saints. They're faithful Christian souls who won't defy the pagan gods. St. Paul was shipwrecked on these shores. This is a site for miracles: he strikes the rock and water flows, he hurls a viper in the flames. Our local bus is forced to stop beside a crowded square. We gawp at Paul in effigy, serene, as white-smocked youths await the sign to lift their load on poles and start his ride to bless each ancient street. He's eight-feet tall, in blue and white. Old ways stay undefeated yet. Brian Cox , Who Founded Critical Quarterly With A. E. Dyson, is Perhaps Best Known for the Black Papers. He Long Taught English at Manchester University, and His Last Post There Was as Pro-Vice-chancellor. He Has a New Book of Poetry in Press—My Eightieth Year in Heaven.