linked through the Mucknell Abbey website: a fascinating blog by Clare Bryden, who is an 'alongsider' there.

and linked through the blog a poetry competition that she had participated in.

first prize in this competition went to a poem which really struck me 

(I hope it's not breaking copyright to quote it).

I am

the Maker

ripped in two

by the beauty I have born.

Lion, gazelle,

eagle, lamb,

spider, fly:

my heart beats for each hunter,

for each prey.

My will is life, but the way,

death.

O do not ask me why,

but love me as I die

and do not look away.

O stay.

© Antonia Cretney