Wainwright country
by cricketjeff on October 25, 2009. © Jeff Green, All rights reserved
Have you walked alone with Wainwright over Lakeland’s grey-green hills,
In the early April sunshine gazed at Wordsworth’s daffodils?
Have you conquered Ingleborough, where the waterfalls make play,
Seen the sunset over Gable when you’ve hiked the day away?
Have you followed Alfred Wainwright down a sheep track past the screes,
Found the ground you thought was solid is a bog up past your knees,
Drunk from springs as fresh as sunlight that you’ve dammed with ghost-green
slate,
Cooled your feet in silent waters where the ancient steamers wait?
Have you seen how fell-struck Wainwright made his world in pen and ink?
When the sun caresses Wasdale have you stopped to stand and think?
Heard the whistles of Lal Ratty echo round the fells and dales,
Or gazed up through blue slashed cloud sheets where a single eagle sails?
Have you curled up warm with Wainwright in a distant winter bed,
Walking summer sunny mountains that live deep inside your head.
Once you’ve read his hard-wrought byways in a hand so clear and free –
You will always love his England where the lakes are poetry.
Author notes
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wainwright-Pictorial-Guides-Boxed-Lakeland/dp/
0711224617
English