Donations are essential to keep Write Out Loud going    

A DAY OUT WITH THE NATIONAL TRUST

"This was the family dining room,"

      the lady stands in simple tweeds

      her feet astride the dark oak floor

reflecting history with all its deeds

sombre still with shadowed time

      the tumbling drapes discreetly back

      and panelling fading into black.

An open doorway suddenly reveals

an ancient visitor visibly thrilled

      whose wife peruses the outline plan

      as only elderly people can.

"This was the Duchess's private closet,"

another guide announces

      his thrusting head with eagles' eyes

      takes in the familiar field.

 

Then we had our coffees and cake

in a stable block in the garden's shade

      everything harmonized brick and brac

      where cursing horsemen embarrassed the maid

in eighteenth century palisade.

The brochure explains the garden design

      Italian influence, yews and box

      with nature pinned back in fashionable style

when suddenly..... the scent of phlox.

The Japanese arrive at last

     from hideous coach disgorged

      in reverence recording digital views

and another link is lovingly forged

by the National Trust with all it's friends.

      Today we learnt an awful lot about

      aristocratic houses.

for now we could be Ann of Cleves

yearning for the autumn leaves.

 

"The house will be closing in fifteen minutes,"

the lady in tweeds descends

      inspecting the floors and fastening doors

  we leave the spirits to their dusty dreams

and their accursed pointless schemes.

 

HISTORY LEISURE

◄ TIME WELL SPENT

HERE COMES RELIGION - AGAIN ►

Comments

Profile image

raypool

Tue 8th Dec 2015 20:07

Cheers David, and Stu. Glad you enjoyed this even though it does have irritating elements. As an "oldie" I am drawn to such places, even if it is for piss taking.

It's all just a little predictable for my liking .
I would never make a travel brochure journalist.

cheers Ray

Profile image

Stu Buck

Tue 8th Dec 2015 10:40

this is great ray, especially the scent of phlox, which actually made me chuckle out loud. i have often been at the mercy of a coach full of japanese tourists so can sympathise.

Profile image

raypool

Tue 8th Dec 2015 00:03

That would put me off my organic tea cakes Harry, but thanks for the thought!

Ray

Profile image

Harry O'Neill

Mon 7th Dec 2015 22:00


Ray,
You should have done Hever Castle and imagined big
fat Henry lusting after Anne Bolyne.

If you wish to post a comment you must login.

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.

Find out more Hide this message