Wednesday, April 28, 2021

ANNALS OF THE PARISH

On December 1st, 1646, records show,

The Devil entered the church at Lustleigh 

Taking a seat at the back. He conducted himself 

Civilly, removing his silver-chased hat

And putting a coin -- two headed but of good metal --

Into the collection basket. He laughed twice

But quietly and without sneering. He didn't 

Leave in a puff of smoke but vanished by degrees.


The next unusual visitor, in 1831, 

Was a raven who perched on the altar

Nodding affably at those he knew. The Devil

Wasn't molested but the verger

Waved his hat furiously at the raven.



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