Dark days, they were, at the outset of a world war.
What words can a King offer his country on Christmas Day, when evil is already threatening its very existence?
King George VI spoke slowly and with great conviction on Christmas Day 1939. And in a little Sussex village – Crowborough, to be precise – a family had gathered around the radio to listen to that speech.
In the darkest times we can do little but share our common humanity and reach out to touch – whom? What? That vast network of humans like us, in our predicament? Or that spirit which underpins who we are?
That day, the King chose words which stirred hearts. They helped my countrymen gird their loins and prepare for something which was indeed, for many, a fight to the death; but which ended in exhausted, impoverished triumph five long years later.
The words were written by a poet of rare talent. Everyone in that Crowborough drawing room listened, entranced.
And no one knew – indeed, would know until afterwards – that its author sat amongst them.
Her name was Minnie Louise Haskins.
Her nephew remembered it well, and recalled it in a letter to the Telegraph in 2002: “I was present at my aunt’s house in Crowborough on Christmas Day 1939, on short leave from my bomber squadron with my newly wedded wife and other members of the family, to listen to the King’s broadcast.
“Minnie was so modest and inscrutable that we had no idea that she had written the poem until a little later, when one of her sisters, puzzled by the poem’s familiarity, challenged Minnie, who admitted she was the author.”
A staunch Wesleyan, Minnie. Born the eldest of three children in 1875 she was recognised early as a gifted teacher. It seems she was ambitious only for one thing: to enrich the hearts of the living.
In 1903, she accepted a job working with the poor as part of a church concern. She took the challenges on her doorstep: women in the workplace and their welfare became her concern.
From 1906 to 1912 she worked in India, mastering the Tamil language and working tirelessly. While she came home to study midwifery I wonder if the heat and light of that great ancient country had entered her veins, for she returned soon afterwards, only to have illness make it necessary to send her home.
She managed a women’s hostel in Woolwich, and went on to work in Silvertown as a women’s welfare worker.
This woman’s biography tells the story of a fisher of men.
Good deeds were to be followed by academic excellence: studying social science at the London School of Economics, she rose to become one of the foremost authorities on industrial welfare.
Her life story is recommendation enough. But to this, she added poetry: a window on her soul.
These were the words that caught the hearts of a King and his country:
And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year: “Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.”
And he replied:
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
So I went forth, and finding the Hand of God, trod gladly into the night. And He led me towards the hills and the breaking of day in the lone East.
The story of the words does not end here.
For ever since, Kings and Queens, those who carried almost unimaginable burdens for whole peoples, have loved them. They are inscribed in St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on the gates to King George VI’s memorial chapel. They concluded the order of service for the Queen Mother’s funeral.
And Queen Elizabeth II said of the inscription: “These words meant much to [my father] and he hoped that they would be remembered by all who dedicated themselves to the service of God and the nation.”
And the story of those words does not end here, either.
Because this evening, my mother read them to me during a telephone conversation. She is facing uncertainty, much as George and his country were then. I have never heard the words before, and as I listened to my mother, standing at the gate of this most unexpected of years, I reflected that the poet who comforted us all this evening must have been special indeed.
Much like my mother, in fact: who is an extraordinarily gifted teacher, and has eschewed the glory of recognition in the eyes of her peers to become a true fisher of men.
Here we stand: at the Gate Of The Year, and find the one to hand us a light is not a man, but a woman.
Heartfelt thanks, Minnie.
You can read the full text of Minnie’s poem, ‘God Knows’, here.
Kate Shrewsday 
Dear Kate – I was very moved by this post, and in particular, thinking about your dear mother.
Thanks Rosemary 🙂 I thought, what could I do? I then I thought, finding out about MInnie might be just the thing.
She is my grandfather s sister
Very moving, Kate. I had no idea who wrote those words so, as usual, I’ve learnt something coming over here.
My thoughts to you and your mother.
Thanks EB 🙂 it’s good to have words like this right now…
The more of your posts that I read, the more impressed I become with your writing. A very good start to my day..
Thanks Roger 🙂 I always think starts to the day in your part of the world must be rather wonderful…
Kate, this is beautiful and tender and loving.
Warmest thoughts to you all. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other, and know that we walk with you.
Thanks, Fiona. Life happens, doesn’t it? Whether you like it or not, it just keeps on coming. Your words are very comforting: knowing you’ve stood at this gate too gives them wings 🙂
I hope everything is okay with your mother.
Was Minnie published? If so, why would her family have to ask if it was hers? If not, how did the King know the poem?
She published a volume in 1908 called The Desert, Tilly: and her sister did find it familiar: so much so that eventually her suspicions were what led to her admitting it was hers. You can read the account in a letter to the Telegraph here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/letters/3575438/Thoroughly-English.html
This is such a heartfelt post, Kate, and what truly comes through is your love and concern for your mother. Prayers and good thoughts are coming your way.
Thanks so much, Penny. Things are moving fast so we should have a map of the next few months soon.
A powerful post, Kate, I do wish the very best for your Mother as she faces this uncertainty.
Thanks Lou 🙂
This story is all the better because I saw the “Kings Speach.” Good post!
yaakov…..
Thanks Yaakov 🙂
It’s a beautiful poem, Kate, with very powerful words indeed. I’m praying for strength for your mother, and for you, as you face the days ahead.
Thanks Myfanwy 🙂
Kate, I hear a daughter’s heart in this post, and it moves me deeply. I respond to the many levels of what this poem opens up, and all I can say to you today is that I truly care for you and yours–you so beautifully share family with us, and I can’t help but respond! Iam interested in learning more about Minnie, too. The poem is written by a deeply faith-filled woman and how lovely to hear your mother wanted to share that faith with you, too. Bless you all, Debra
She seems to have been quite a woman, Debra, and well worth further research!
“Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God. That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way.”
Simple, sage advice. Thanks for sharing this, Kate. Praying that He will provide the illumination you and your mother need.
Thanks, Karen. I’m sure you are right 🙂
Kate, you, your Mom and Dad, and your whole family, will be in my prayers and thoughts. A gentle reminder that even in the face of uncertainty (which is life in general, though we seldom approach it that way), we can find peace.
Has anyone written a biography on Minnie? Might be a good project for some talented writer…….who likes to research………and weave engaging stories about people…………
😀 I shall certainly find out more about her, Andra: she seemed an incredible combination of the academic and the truly altruistic. A truly extraordinary woman.
thank you. you open up our minds in so many ways
i’m sending your mum thougts of support as she faces her challenge
Thank you, Sidey. I shall pass them on 🙂
Words giving a wonderful spirit with which to enter into the unknown, indeed.
I’m sure that finding out about this remarkable woman will mean a lot to your mother. I have no doubt that she will be more than equal to any challenge which confronts her.
I have no doubt you are right there, Col 🙂
Lovely to hear words so humbly written read out by a king. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your mom.
Thanks Pseu. Might potter off to St Georges Chapel and take a look again sometimes soon…
Uplifting beautiful words that I hope will continue to be remembered and support you, your mother and your family, Kate. 🙂
Thanks Jan 🙂
beautiful post, Kate. Your mother sounds like a very wise, strong woman…strength to you both ~
Thanks Angela: your words are appreciated 🙂
……
Indeed, Brett 🙂 Thanks,friend.
ditto…
This was beautiful and touching. I shall hold you all in my thoughts.
Thank you, Cameron 🙂
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings and commented:
We watched The King’s Speech last night and a liilte research lead me to various articles about George VI’s much better remembered speech on Christmas day 1939. Here are some lovely thoughts on that, do read the full poem by Minnie Haskins.
It’s now more than 2 years later and I have just read this post in down under Sydney. All very touching. Thank you for sharing. And I love the poem God Knows.
Hi Kate, I have just come across this post. It is lovely and I really want to share your thoughts. I’ve reblogged it here:http://wp.me/p2yQs2-4J.
Tricia
Tricia, thank you so much! I blogged daily for about three wars and this rwmains ine of my favourites. So glad it resonated.