The Hillfort Abides

 

High above the Severn Sea

broods an ancient Sentinel.

Swift centuries have hurried by

yet still it stands, clothed in wonder.

First the folk from forgotten lands

with copper axe and shield of bronze

stood upon the windswept height

and dared to face its fearsome thunder.

Then the Celts, so brave, so proud,

trod the ancient ridgeway paths,

built the ramparts, fought the foe.

And still it stands, clothed in wonder.

Romans came from a land of sun

with spear and sword to tame the hills.

They slew the druids on the stones

And dared to face their fearsome thunder.

And the Sentinel watched them all,

saw them live and watched them die.

Roman, Celt, like mist they fled.

And still it stands, clothed in wonder.

Then the Normans, haughty, fierce,

built upon the windswept hill.

A tower they raised to watch the land

and dared to face the fearsome thunder.

Colliers strove beneath the soil.

To warm a world they gave their blood.

Cold, aloof, the Sentinel watched.

And still it stands, clothed in wonder.

And you and I, we stand here now

and look upon the Severn Sea.

We think of all who went before

and dared to face the fearsome thunder.

And still it stands, clothed in wonder.