Standing Stone On Rombalds Moor

(Told to me by a patient, when working as a builder’s labourer at Menston’s asylum 1963) This little middle aged lady, watched and followed me around for two days, when I was working on a renovation job, in Menston asylum 1963.She told me this tale over and over again about her and someone’s (no name) initials being cut into rock on Ilkley moor. I’d almost forgot about her, till I saw on television recently a documentary/ drama based on the asylum at Menston. Some of the scenes from the show were uncanny in being almost identical with her story told to me Thirty-two years ago. I was told that eventually she would soon forget all things relating to her past. What impressed me, was how hard she was trying to hang on; of course it was her only salvation. “I saw a rat this morning, eating on a brain. A surely little thing all furry and grey. I saw a bright light afterwards”/ “I tried to grasp it but it was so elusive; like their warm and tender love it only stays a little while, before the darkness begins to shut out all the things I cherish. I sing a song”/ “It helps to pass the waiting. I clean the window sill try the front door, it’s always locked, somehow I know my past is through there”. "Now I cannot except the concept of light then dark, the adjustment is burning me up. Just as long as the memory of my loved ones/ from the light days of my life is kept within me/ memories of sublime peace and simple innocents, like the standing stone on “Rombalds Moor” Our initials forever beguiling." Sorry! I have to go it’s the rat/ he’s eating his lunch again! © Harry J Horsman 1995