Followers

Friday 11 January 2019

HASTINGS CASTLE

Above the town it looms, timeworn, ruinous.
From the south the ocean devours it's foundations
year upon year, inch by inch.

Yet defiant it stands. A sprawling moss-covered hulk,
repelling the violent storms that threaten to destroy it -
It, a survivor for nine centuries and more!

Touch it's weathered vestiges, feel it's history.
Commune with it. Open your mind and experience it all:
the Hundred Years' War, the Dissolution, the bombs of  World War II.

The gloaming is the best time. Such low light
plays tricks upon the mind. The tourists gone,
now only revenants wander among the gloomy ramparts.

Let yourself dissolve into the silence and through half-closed eyes
glimpse what wasn't there a moment ago.
Distant times, the glint of steel, bodies of the slain

and the castle restored to it's former glory:
a shimmering grey-gold mirage, suspended
in the indigo threads of night.

12 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. So true, Tanza... hopefully someday mankind will learn!
      Thank you so much😊😊

      Have a great day!

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  2. If only those walls could talk. The stories we could hear and (hopefully) the lessons we could learn.
    I hope you are feeling better by the day.

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    Replies
    1. Oh thank you so much, Sue!
      Really hoping you are feeling better too. You are always in my thoughts.😊😊

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  3. I enjoyed reading your poem.
    I always think Castles are wonderful (not too sure why!) because the stories they would tell are not always pleasant.
    I've not visited Hastings Castle perhaps I should. Our Grandson would probably enjoy a visit too.

    I echo EC's wishes, I too hope you are feeling better as each day passes.

    All the best Jan

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    Replies
    1. Oh Jan, thank you...so much!
      Yes, I'm sure your Grandson would enjoy exploring the ruins. It is a very atmospheric place. I still remember that clearly, although I haven't been there for some years.
      Thank you also for your kind wishes!
      I am just awaiting my dates for radiotherapy. After that, hopefully, I will be free of cancer!😊😊

      Have a great day! xxx

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  4. Wonderful. Almost like being there throughout history and even into the future visualizing the slow crumbling.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thank you! Being there does evoke quite a powerful sense of the past...a kind of heavy, brooding atmosphere!
    Well worth a visit if ever you find yourself in that area!😊😊

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  6. Ah such a powerful portrait through your sublime words dearest Ygraine!

    i found myself witnessing the restored glory of old magnificent castle

    hope you are under the shower of God's blessing my dear friend!
    hugs!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dearest Baili...my sincerest thanks for your kind words of encouragement. They truly mean so much to me!😊😊

      Wishing the same blessing for you, dear Friend..now and always.

      Much love and hugs ❤❤❤

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  7. The stories you write with your poetry are amazing!
    I hope you are doing well my friend! Big Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh Sweetie, thank you...so, so, much!!!😊😊
      I have a setback health-wise...but, hey, am kicking ass! Lol
      Do hope all is good with you!

      Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤

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I really appreciate hearing your opinions...:)