Forgotten Ground Regained
The Severn
Originally published in Withowinde 192, p. 11, Winter 2019
The Severn’s ceaseless, serpentine flow --Lengthy miles leads ‧ the longest path of the British Isles.Your names are numerous: known as Hafren in WelshSaefern to ancient speakers ‧ of the Anglo-Saxon tongue,in the Latin language, listed as Sabrina.In modern English mouths ‧ your moniker is Severn.From peaks of Powys ‧ you pierce from Cambrian springsthrough Shropshire’s short hills. Shrewsbury salutes you,and abound at Ironbridge, an abundance of metalclimbs, curving tall, across your gorgeous views.When in Worcester’s vale, awhile you pause,embrace a cavalier elegy ‧ for Elgar’s musical memory,before rising ‧ to ruin poor Tewkesbury,drowning the dear town, drenching the streets.Gloucester easily offers ‧ access to docking,beating back against ‧ the bore in springtime tides.A final last farewell ‧ to flat coasts, English and Welsh,twin road-bearers ‧ boldly guard the mouthwith the due diligence ‧ your dying moments observedas you sink, satisfied, submerged into the Celtic Sea.
Copyright © Damon Lord, 2019