Laid Low in Ludlow

A solemn ode regretting a pulled calf muscle experienced by a clergyman from stepping on a low step while admiring the roof of the parish church of Ludlow,

Or

Laid low in Ludlow

It’s not regarded with abhorrence -
The church in Ludlow, called St Lawrence.
It’s known for miles and miles around
For beauty scarcely ever found.
Should you of this require the proof
Then raise your eyes – look at the roof.
With ancient carvings, red and gold,
A joy, a treasure, to behold.
But this – it may seem very odd –
Despite its beauty – a house of God -
Deceived one holy man of prayer
With a step he never knew was there.
"Look up not down", he often preaches
“Do not”, he says, “look down on mud – lo!
Look into heaven’s higher reaches! “
No more: for now he’s been to Ludlow.