Maiden Castle Hillfort – a Poem

Bruce Officer on Jan 18, 2012

Tags: Celtic, Celts, Dorset, england, hill fort, hillfort, iron-age, Maiden Castle

I wrote this poem back in July 2010 after a visit to Maiden Castle, one of the most spectacular Iron Age hillforts in Britain, but never posted it. Here it is at last, accompanied by some of my photographs.

Picks of antler, spades of bone
Sweat of brow on earth and stone
Carved these ramparts, carved them deep
Created this almighty keep
Standing here against the tide
Of Roman legions’ steel and pride

But ramparts steep were all in vain
Ballista bolts which fell like rain
Swept these warriors away
And Roman troops in formed array
Stormed this place that now lies still
A Celtic dream, dead, on this hill

Now up here gods and heroes slumber
Forgotten names in countless number
Up here in a sky-roofed hall
Where the crows and ravens call
Will they ever wake again
To stir the hearts of modern men?

For from this hilltop, looking down
On a busy bustling town
I see how petty life’s become
How self-absorbed is everyone
And for a moment, through my blood
The ancient Celtic rhythms thud

A view of the ramparts (photo © Bruce Officer, 2010)

A view of the winding entranceway (photo © Bruce Officer, 2010)

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Comments (14)

rubysexy on Jan 18, 2012
Nice share. Beautiful spots.
vickylass on Jan 19, 2012
Awesome and the pics too!
sheilanewton on Jan 19, 2012
I’ve never been there. must go. looks stunning. The poetry is fabulous, Bruce.
Margaret Boseroy on Jan 19, 2012
Wonderful tribute to a beautiful place full of history. Great accompanying photos as well.
Caryn Belikoff on Jan 22, 2012
Completely agree with Margaret! This is a great poem.
indianwriting on Jan 22, 2012
such wonderful creativity…and it rhymes!!!
lovely poem bruce…i love the pics too
Ruby Hawk on Jan 22, 2012
Bruce, Your poem sends chills down my back. When that happens I know it’s outstanding poetry.
avissado on Jan 26, 2012
The poetry is good and pictures make me want to visit this place! good work mate. cheers
tankermone on Jan 27, 2012
Wow! Quite impressive and emotional! Great work, Bruce!
Martin Kloess on Jan 29, 2012
very good
KittyK on Feb 6, 2012
Excellent poetry and a fascinating castle to visit…
Margaret Boseroy on Feb 17, 2012
Revisiting
Nick on Apr 18, 2012
I grew up in Dorchester and know Maiden Castle very well – you’ve captured the atmosphere beautifully.
Tom Davis on Apr 21, 2012
Ina Shroeders-Zeeder, through Nick Moore (gonecyclingagain) referred me to this poem. I love the effectiveness of the meter and rhyme. The subject is powerful, and the photos are impressive. This is good poetry by a poet with some strong gifts.

Maiden Castle Hillfort – a Poem

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