An Unexpected Train of Thought

When I was returning from my walk yesterday, I stopped to catch my breath coming up the hill, and noticed this beautiful, late-afternoon sky behind me. I have no idea why, but out of the blue, into my head, came a hymn that I have probably not sung for well over 50 years.

Now the day is over

night is drawing nigh;

shadows of the evening

steal across the sky.

It is something I used to sing in Brownies (I think), or Guides, but certainly as a girl at Greenhill Methodist Church in Thornbury, Bradford. Although the theme is one of comfort, I find the hymn quite poignant, perhaps because it reminds me of a time when I was young and care-free. Sunsets too, though beautiful, can arouse feelings of melancholy.

The words were written by Sabine Baring-Gould, who also penned 'Onward Christian Soldiers'. I know all about him because, for a time, he was curate at Horbury Bridge near Wakefield - a place I used to visit every week as a cub reporter in the late 70s. The then vicar of Horbury Bridge, the late and very wonderful Rev Simon Parkinson, used to give me all the local gossip for my 'Horbury Page'. 

Isn't it strange how a hymn, song, or piece of music can trigger a whole train of unexpected thought?

Writing prompt:

• Is there piece of music that, when you hear it, triggers a strong memory for you? If so, write about it for seven minutes.
• Do you have a favourite hymn - maybe one that you sang at school? Write about it.
• What emotions are stirred when you look at a sunset? Do you recall a particularly beautiful one?