Together, Separate

The bells ring out. We’re gathered round
outside the church. Unhallowed ground
is where we celebrate this year.
We celebrate, since Easter’s here

And we will consecrate this ground
six feet apart. We hear the sound
of pealing bells, since Easter’s here,
and we have overcome our fear

And gathered, moved, to hear the sound
of pealing bells. O let them ring,
and we will overcome our fear
and sound out gladness as we sing

Inside ourselves. Yes, let them ring,
and we will join them on this ground.
Together, separate, we sing.
The bells ring out. We’ve gathered round.

We’ve gathered round, and now we sing
inside ourselves on altered ground.
Together, separate, we sing.
As bells ring out, we’ve gathered round.

—Bruce Bennett