Meeting of the Parliament (Hybrid)

Meeting date: Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Official Report 770KB pdf

Time for Reflection

Our first item of business is time for reflection. Our time for reflection leader is Mr Jon Plunkett, who is the care and support manager for the Corbenic Camphill Community.

This contribution for time for reflection was originally scheduled for 17 March. Unfortunately, the virus had other plans. Between then and now, it seems that the importance of community has been emphasised more than ever.

I am connected with Corbenic Camphill Community, a care home in Perthshire for adults with learning disabilities. We are fortunate to have remained Covid-free. The poem that I am going to read is titled “Meanwhile”. It is very much about community, and the importance of community.

“In various places at various times
people discuss community—
what it was, or is.
What it could be,
or should be.

Meanwhile
on a spread of land by the River Braan
trees knit the earth into place
while their branches point to things beyond.
And in workshops clay is spun into pots,
pots are used for drinks and moments shared.
Flour is kneaded into dough, dough baked into bread,
bread delivered by small steps and swinging baskets.
Fields are ploughed into furrows.
Seeds stretch to drink the sun. Animals are fed.
Horses are cared for.
Wool is spun into weave, design is pressed into art.
Wood is ringed and split. Wood is warmth.
Days are turned into dates, dates into festivals.
Houses are turned into homes,
And plans into action (most of the time!)
Wax is melted into moulds,
liquid into solid, solid into light.
Needs are met with care, care leads to love.
And within, and around and between
all these small transformations
are joinings of one being to another.

So people can discuss community—
what it was, or is.
What it could be,
or should be.

Meanwhile
here, on our spread of land by the River Braan
community is what it is, and carries on.
Turbulent and calm, turbulent and calm,
but never stagnant,
and like the river,
flowing always
to depths unknown.”

Thank you Mr Plunkett. I am glad that you were able to join us.