Tees to Tyne: first impressions (Chants from Walkabouts - 17)

Poem 162 of 230:  TEES TO TYNE:  FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SUMMER 2001

(TUNE - IN THE KEY OF G MAJOR: 

E3 F#1 F#1 E3 D2 E3 F#1 F#3
F#3 G1 G1 A3 B2 A3 G1 G3
D2 G2 A1 A3 B2 B2 A1 A3
F#2 G2 A3 B2 B2 A3 A2-G2 G3

D2 D2 F#2 F#2 F#2-G2 F#2 E2 E2
E2 E2 E2 E2 F#3 E2 D1 D3)

Where traditions are not so rare;
    Sea, country and works scent the air;
A multitude of monuments,
    Planted tubs and patterned pavements.

The longish pedestrian malls;
    The remnants of defensive walls;
Historic buildings are a gauge
    Of the respect for heritage.

Wheat, rape and pines in the fields;
    Estuaries guarded by shields;
Long sandy beaches, and wide scenes;
    Romantic-ruin go-betweens.

Rivers, in parts, licked by trees,
    Or fringed by boat clubs, wharfs, gantries,
And crossed by practical delights -
    Varied spans, forming pleasing sights.

Fine churches - headed at Durham;
    Football kits ad infinitum;
Kept castles - one for study;
    Masonry behind masonry.

And, with moulding-works out that way,
It’s somewhere for a longer stay..?

(C) David Franks 2003
From http://walkaboutsverse.blogspot.com