Ian Sowton

Ian Sowton Memorial

In loving memory of Ian Sowton February 23, 1929 – January 23, 2021 Our beloved Ian died peacefully in Toronto on January 23, 2021. Some of his community reflections and… Read More »Ian Sowton Memorial

Homeward Now Shall I Journey

The music of this song travelled to Susie and this community at Holy Trinity from our dear friend Moon Joyce. She told me (on the morning of Gwen Setterfield’s funeral)… Read More »Homeward Now Shall I Journey

For Ian with love

Ian Sowton

Who will be our poet now?

For Ian Who will write our hymns, breathe life into our psalms, honour our dead? I see you, standing at the lectern, finger pointed in the air, white hair on… Read More »Who will be our poet now?

When Our Beloved Elegist dies

For Dear Ian Passing is not an acceptable word for your death, dear Ian.Wrenching, tearingCloserBut still not right for the loss of you, whom we hoped against hope would live… Read More »When Our Beloved Elegist dies

For Ian Sowton at 90

Some saints were farmers
like Serenus the gardener who shares your day, dear Ian.
They ploughed the land like billy-o
scattering the seed where fall it will
and harvesting the growth, if any,
in due season, tares and all.

And some moved kings and potentates,
and prelates too, as did bird-preaching Frances,
pushing Sultans, Popes, and a priest or two
to grant his brothers space; their kingdoms peace;
their people just a crêche or two
to see the mystery unfold.