You come across it on a rise
An 11th century surprise;
Romanesque, modest, alone
This church has scarcely a grave stone…
You climb towards it from Place Keym;
It bears an unfamiliar name:
Saint Clement’s – loyal Pope of Rome
Who was by Trajan overthrown…
First century: strife and confusion
Persistent Roman persecution;
Imprisoned, banned from speaking out
With other Christians, suffered drought…
His miracle? He found a source
A blessed, hidden under course!
In sacred texts an anchor shows
His martyrdom in Grecian flows…
Today, this church has aspect sad
In scaffolding its tower is clad;
But workmen’s vans parked in the drive
Convince me that it will survive!
(c) Poet in the woods 2026
Boitsfort
