ode to the ------ ----

a kenning

higher than the cockerels perch she stands.
she sings her song each day.
a religious woman, devout in her prayers.
she keeps the hours, ever punctual.
a heavy woman, wide and large-bottomed.
she is black, yet beautiful. 
fearfully and wonderfully made.
her riches are in copper and tin.
‘worship!’ she cries, in her booming voice.
entire towns are under her command.
we miss her each lent,
they say she is on pilgrimage to rome.
i remember, on her wedding day it took ten men to lift her.
now she blesses every marriage.
the bridesmaid of every wife, the godmother of every babe, and the widow at every funeral.
did she ever complain when she was struck?
she is beaten everyday.
she is chaste, but she doesnt mind the men who tug at her from below.
they taught her how to count from one to twelve.
now she teaches others, the hours and seasons.
the princess in the tower.
Gods faithful servant.
most feared by satan.
who is she?

answer: the church bell