Whilst we were wandering around Gloucester Cathedral, I came upon a beautiful stained glass window dedicated to Ivor Gurney. I knew that Gurney was a composer and poet, but very little else about him.
Once at home I did some research and discovered that Gurney was born in Gloucester in 1890 and became a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral in 1900. He excelled as both a musician and poet. Unfortunately, Gurney's horrific experiences in the First World War shaped his life, poetry and music thereafter, and he struggled with mental illness for the rest of his life.
Gurney's poetry and music are all inspired by his love of the Gloucestershire countryside. His poem Severn Meadows was composed in March 1917 whilst he was stationed in France. He set this beautiful lyrical poen to music.
Only the wanderer
Knows England's graces,
Or can anew see clear
Familiar faces.
And who loves joy as he
That dwells in shadows?
Do not forget me quite,
O Severn meadows.