The Vallum ...

As we walked from Newcastle to Bowness on Solway, the four of us, laughing, talking, marvelling, the Vallum was never far away - 

I'd be idling for a moment, by a wind sculpted tree, or dreaming by the lichened lower courses of a mile castle, imagining being a lean tribesman with a golden torque - 

Then Penny, or Julia, or Alyson would say  - look at the Vallum - there it is - can you see it ? - 

I'd turn to see the deep ditch, delved by strong hands, still full of lost voices - 

July 7 2014

Before St Oswald's