Guestblog: Sandpiper on the Still Point

Below is Burnt Norton IV (a short section), which concludes thus: "At the still point of the turning world." The line recalls for me the motto of the Carthusian order (founded 11th century): Stat crux dum volvitur orbis---"The cross stands while the world is turned." Probably the sentiment does not originate with them, even if the motto does.

IV

Time and the bell have buried the day,
The black cloud carries the sun away.
Will the sunflower turn to us, will the clematis
Stray down, bend to us; tendril and spray
Clutch and cling?

Chill
Fingers of yew be curled
Down on us? After the kingfisher's wing
Has answered light to light, and is silent, the light is still
At the still point of the turning world.