Cathedrals offer a place for people to encounter the divine without demanding membership or commitment. They offer unconditional hospitality in ancient sacred spaces for those jaded by the secular present. They offer sanctuary. Celebrating the life of one particular cathedral, Sanctuary is a collection of poems that emerged from prize-winning poet Martyn Halsall's year in residence at Carlisle Cathedral. They are born from his quiet observation of daily comings and goings, chance conversations, the rhythm of daily worship and the building itself. They focus on the everyday and the sublime: entrances and exits, light and shadows, nightfall and silence, ancient carvings and modern souvenirs, soaring music and timeless words, tour parties and visitors seek solitude. Here is the whole of human life in microcosm, held in one place.

About the Author
Martyn Halsall enjoyed a long career as a journalist, including fifteen years with the Guardian. He now focuses on writing and reviewing poetry and is the poetry editor of Third Way. He was previously Communications Director for the Diocese of Blackburn.


Book Information
ISBN 9781848256750
Author Martyn Halsall
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Canterbury Press Norwich
Publisher Canterbury Press Norwich