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At the Labyrinth in Chartres

Pilgrim, cease thy wandering;
Within these walls, salvation calls.
Come and end thy searching:
Thy soul may rest in comfort.

Enter now the temple
Towering o'er the city:
Spires to heaven pointing.
Welcome, weary traveler.

Place thy foot upon the path
Worn of old by many
Who would find the solace
The same as now thou seekest.

Follow in their footsteps
As you trace the pattern.
Compass round the center;
With each step draw nearer.

Listen to the silence -
Hear the Voice within you
As you slowly travel
‘Long the arcs that guide you.

At each turn, release your sins.
Loose your shackles binding
You to death and sorrow.
Free yourself from turmoil.

Ever closer as you go
To thy glorious Savior;
At the center, find surcease.
Pilgrim, cease thy wandering.

J. Fitzhugh
Written after walking the Labyrinth at the Cathedral in Chartres, July 20, 2001
Approximately two years later, the author composed a hymn setting for the poem.
You can listen to a MIDI rendering of this hymn.
You can also view the music for this hymn.

Text, copyright 2001, W. Jördan Fitzhugh, used by permission.
Music, copyright 2003, W. Jördan Fitzhugh, used by permission.

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