In a Monastery Garden

It was somewhere around 1958 when I first began to be aware of romantic feelings. I remember a boy I met at someone’s house in Romoland, I think. I don’t even remember his name. And I have no idea why I associate this piece of music with that one-afternoon experience, except that probably it was a piece I was learning to play on the piano. This recording (by David Hegarty) is, of course, from many decades after that.

IN A MONASTERY GARDEN
(Albert W. Ketelbey – 1915)

Through the misty twilight falling
Voices from afar are calling,
Calling all the weary
Homeward to their rest.

The evening bell is softly peeling,
While from off the cloisters stealing
A sweet prayer of mercy
Peaceful and so blessed.

I wandered alone in a strange land,
And the night seemed so dark and drear,
When the sound of a voice seemed to call me
And brought to my mind a memory dear.

It told of the joy and the gladness
That comes from the One above.
Oh. Lord, hear our prayers; take away all our care.
And fill our hearts with love.

Joy will come again with morning;
Travels fast, a cloud is forming.
God is love and gives us
All eternal rest.