Thorfinn inspires timeless poetry
[d. 1285]
When the obscure Norwegian bishop Thorfinn passed away, his friend Walter de Muda nailed a poem about him above his tomb. Story goes, after 50 years passed, that piece of parchment still hung, none the worse for wear.
Sadly, I haven’t been able to find a copy of the poem. But another Walter de Something (—de La Mare) published this lovely verse in 1941, in Poetry Magazine. It’s called “A Tailor,” and since it’s about death, I’ll share it.
Here lies a tailor; let him rest.
Of all man’s ninths he was the best.
He plied his needle early and late
Yet now must in one garment wait.
Scoff not, ye tinsel-robed, I wist
One only wore the bridegroom’s guest;
And in his long years’ stitching he
Knew what poor folk fops naked be.