The Back Bone of the Dales

Many are the miles you snake along the hillsides, through the valleys,
conforming to the highways, partitioning pasture from pasture
neighbour from neighbour, friend from foe, son from father.

a face unperturbed…
one inhaling scenic grace
spring chattering birth

Sanctuary to winter flock shelter for the beast,
many characteristics embraced within your tenacity, 
while countless shapes formulate your strength,
crag face monument a testament to this place, stone the essence.

breaking dawn’s sunrise …
golden threads breaking the mist
surfing nether clouds 

Many years you’ve stood against sweeping rain, hoarfrost nights, 
the heat of summer, the inane rambler that mounts your very strength 
rests wearily for a while, never a thought for whom created
you, from out of the very ground you now preside over.

there are no concepts…
only seasons to embrace
and generations 

© Harry J Horsman 2022

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022



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Date: 12/11/2022 8:35:00 AM
A beautiful poem, Harry. I loved the last three lines especially, but many lovely lines.
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Date: 12/4/2022 9:57:00 AM
The essence of your beautiful land and all of its gifts. Stone statues that have withstood time ..love ..loss and rebirth. So moving and reverent Harry ! Hugs and blessings, Susan :)
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Date: 12/2/2022 10:26:00 AM
Sounds like a wonderful place to call home... Your rich descriptions take me there... A lovely poem, Harry...
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Date: 11/30/2022 12:01:00 AM
Reading your lines, I coursed through that heavenly location. Journeying down hills and valleys , I have reached that place with rocks and stones that stood against all ravages of weather through the years.... now a sanctuary to winter flocks. Beautiful Haibun....dear harry
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Date: 11/29/2022 6:33:00 AM
- A wonderful poem, Harry :) - hugs
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Date: 11/27/2022 10:29:00 AM
wow, deeply felt poetry. Love of a place you know so well. That middle haiku is absolutely beautiful.
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Date: 11/27/2022 6:46:00 AM
Excellent. Well written Harry. :)
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Date: 11/27/2022 6:05:00 AM
The beauty of endurance Harry, so very well portrayed here in your wonderful write! Happy Sunday!
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Date: 11/27/2022 1:35:00 AM
Wonderful poem. I enjoyed reading it.
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Date: 11/27/2022 12:22:00 AM
You have portrayed the sense of great elemental Strength in this peice Harry, also i feel in it a Sketch of the eternity that surrounds us all ' A worthy outpour indeed, to read '
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Date: 11/26/2022 12:18:00 PM
Harry, your poem is wonderful! It was a delight to read your portrayal of a magnificent location. Your incredibly detailed lines brought me there. Have a wonderful weekend!
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Date: 11/26/2022 5:14:00 AM
A pleasure to read your description of a splendorous place, Harry. Beautiful poetry!
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Date: 11/26/2022 3:08:00 AM
And generations to embrace. How lovely. I enjoyed reading this one today. I looked up the Dales and it is a very rugged, beautiful place. Thanks for sharing and for dropping by my page. Sara
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Date: 11/26/2022 12:12:00 AM
wowsers, a wonderful journey xx
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Date: 11/25/2022 10:43:00 PM
Oh I love this Harry ….you took me there with your beautifully descriptive words….just lovely! Debx
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