Gold Hill, Shaftesbury England

Two weeks after September 11, I traveled to England. One of the towns on my list of places to visit was Shaftesbury England, specifically, Gold Hill. I stood on the hill after a two hour train ride and only hours after I first set foot in England. This steep hill had the most beautiful cottages and I was so happy to have made it! When I got home, I wrote this poem about it. I hope to one day see it again.

Gold Hill – Shaftesbury, England

By: Monica Vanzant

A quiet moment on a hill

of man made stone and crafted skill

I stand in awe, my mouth agape

Amazed at finding heaven's gate

For what I see is beauty wide

My soul is full and swells with pride

A scene with cottages askew

All shapes and colors, none are new

Atop a hill in Shaftesbury

Broad images that touch my soul

I wonder at their stories told

A long walk down, I stand and sigh

This journey will my strength defy

But I must go, I know that now

Way down Gold Hill I do avow

And so I start my trek downhill

The easiest part and needs no skill

Atop a hill in Shaftesbury

With little breath and steady heart

From this long hill I do depart

Some happy greetings come my way

From friendly locals I survey

Their nods and smiles at me so sweet

I'm more surprised each one I meet

Three times I hear, “It looks like rain!”

I find myself refreshed again

Atop a hill in Shaftesbury

With shaking legs and beaming smile

I look up at my traveled mile

Well not a mile but it feels so

The distance from that place I know.

From awe to dread I pick my way

O'er cobbled roads where children play

For now I know the time has come

To turn again, so I succumb

Atop a hill in Shaftesbury

With labored breath, I start my walk

My legs move slowly as they mock

My foolish pride that drives them so

Beyond the length they want to go

But on I push to higher ground

Until the top is once more found,

With gods good grace I have my end!

Up steep and winding path to wend,

Atop a hill in Shaftesbury

My panting breath comes back to me

As I turn back and there I see

That I have filled my latest dream

I've walked up THE GOLD HILL - I deem,

As sure as rain will come today

I know I will return and stay

For though my own land's miles gone past

It feels as though I'm home at last

Atop a hill in Shaftesbury