Ancient tongues
from distant lands
mingle
on this windswept hillside,
the smell of exotic food
wafting in the breeze,
the sound of feet
marching into the distance.
Out of the corner of my eye
the glint of sun on metal.
–
Two thousand year old memories
uncovered, displayed,
brought to life
in my imagination.
–
I turn, and all I hear
is the wind, sighing
through the stones,
all I see is the wall
marching off
into the distance.
–
The past is close here,
there are stories
still buried beneath this land,
waiting to be heard.
Another visit to Hadrian’s Wall yesterday. The wall, forts, Roman towns, landscape and excellent museums always combine to fire up my imagination. I just find it remarkable that the Romans got this far north at all (actually they got further, to the north of Scotland). Some of the soldiers at Hadrian’s Wall were from modern day Syria. And they would have marched all the way from there to the north of England. The weather must have come as a shock.
That wall is a magical place. The wind, the ancient stonework, and the Roman ruins. You captured the feel of the place with your poem.
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Thanks, it is a magical place!
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I have been to the wall at Birdodswald Fort ~ I think that’s the name. Was a few years ago now but would love to return.
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If you go back I’d recommend Vindolanda, it’s amazing.
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I thought this was Hadrian’s Wall as I was reading, you’ve captured the history and atmosphere very well.
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Thanks Andrea, it’s an inspiring place!
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