A week ago, I was on a tour of Edinburgh Castle, the heart of the UNESCO preserved area of Edinburgh, Scotland. During the reign of Robert the Bruce, the whole castle was destroyed except St. Margaret’s Chapel. I was drawn in to the history of Margaret, Queen of Scots, and want to claim her for an ancestor. Her life was from 1047 to 1093. She was an unusual saint because she had eight children and was not a virgin or a martyr. Yet she followed the teachings of St. Benedict and was pious and generous.
Yesterday I read a “poem a day” by Damir Soden found here. The commentary included this quote about poetry, “Poetry being the most sophisticated way of dealing with language is therefore of utmost importance when it comes to preservation of one’s identity.”
I want to preserve memories of my trip to Scotland. Preserve the feeling of being taken back in time. Preserve my connection to my name.
Edinburgh Castle, Scotland
Is like a time capsule
toured daily by thousands
walking back
through time’s doorway
into St. Margaret’s small chapel
finding a sanctuary
most sacred place in Scotland
atop the highest point of Castle Rock
spared by Robert the Bruce—
a resting place.
How her spirit caused his pause…
We pause to imagine
to inhale the soft scent of gunpowder
to rediscover holiness
in a place of violence.
Can you feel the longing?
There is a guild of St. Margaret that keeps the flowers in the chapel. Anyone with the name Margaret can be a part of this guild. We are encouraged to place flowers in our own churches on St. Margaret’s Day, November 16th. Here is a prayer from the booklet I bought (charitable donation).
O God our Father,
who didst kindle a flame of divine love in the heart of thy servant Queen Margaret and didst by her humility and kindness show forth the way of royal service: grant that, encouraged by her example and strengthened by her fellowship, we who bear her name may follow her in the joyful spending of ourselves for others; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
Reflections on the Teche 
thank you for sharing your experience. I visited last September & tho my name isn’t Margaret, I felt her spirit.
Excellent post. I wasn’t aware of the chapel. Margaret was apparently my 27th great grandma. With so many kids there are a lot of us. For some reason I always assumed that saints were childless. She was married to Malcolm III of (Shakespeare’s Macbeth fame). I descend through daughter Mathilda.
Very interesting post; thank you for sharing. I’ve been following your trip via your FB posts/pictures. I love learning about the history of individual people, especially our ancestors.
Always amazing to learn of the history of so long ago. Here in the USA most things is so new in comparison. Thanks for sharing today.
Margaret, I can sense the fascination and curiosity in placing each footstep in this same spot where Margaret walked. I am thrilled that you are able to get out and enjoy these moments seeing new places and making new discoveries in your recent retirement and look forward to having those same kinds of adventures sometime in the near future. Onward!
What a beautiful way to capture such a special place! I can tell from your poem how meaningful this visit was—and am so glad you decided to share your words and photos with all of us!
You have captured the magic and wonder of that special place filled with history and wonder. While I have not been there, I can imagine the magic is breathtaking.
Margaret, your journey brought you to a sacred place and a special guild. Your poem comes forth as part of a preservation of history and holiness. May your memories bring peace and an extension of the wonder-filled life of a worthy saint into your own parish on St. Margaret’s special day.