Shropshire Hills

The Wrexham and Shrewsbury Line

After the Hastings run and underground

The Wrexham train is manna to the soul.

A gentle easing back, with no more sound

Than coffee cups - real china - and the goal

Of self indulged enjoyment for three hours

Until we get to Shrewsbury - of course

Lunch is served, with beef that overpowers

The senses with its whiskey & pepper sauce

And though we must forgo the chocolate truffle

- which did not arrive in time today -

An apple Danish rectifies the ruffle

We might have felt before we doze away.

          All too soon we have to leave the train

          But be assured - we will be back again.

Brian Hick 2009

©copyright Sally Hick 29.7.22

We share a taxi out past Meole Brace

With a lady from South Africa

Before the Shropshire Hills start to embrace

Our view, and even from inside the car

They smile a welcome home.  Oh, is it just

A sentimental quirk, despite years away

I feel as much at one here as the dust

On any path along the South Downs Way?

The hotel has seen better days but strives

To match the glory of its place among

The woods and outcrops of the steep hillsides

Convincing us that nothing can be wrong.

From our room the Longmynd's just in sight

But that's for tomorrow - so for now, goodnight.

Brian Hick 2009

©copyright Sally HIck 29.7.22