Josie Whitehead’s Poems
Ballad: A ballad is a poem or song which usually tells a story in the popular language of the day.. See this website: Bolton Priory Church The River Wharfe is not a slow, gentle river all the time. It can be fast, dangerous and regularly takes lives, but at other times, it is peaceful and tranquil. I have varied the words in the refrain for this reason. The valley of the River Wharfe is known as Wharfedale and this is where I live, in Ilkley. Link to our pictures of Bolton Abbey
THE BALLAD OF BOLTON ABBEY
By Josie Whitehead
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Click photo to play
recorded reading
Like the water flowing down the Wharfe
Nine hundred years have streamed –
Since when the early monks arrived
To make a life supreme.
River Wharfe cruise gently past
Countryside quite unsurpassed.
In eleven hundred and fifty four
The Augustinian canons came.
The surrounding hills gave cover from
The biting cold and rain.
River Wharfe speed swiftly past
Countryside quite unsurpassed.
These black-robed priests began to build
Their stone shelter from the cold.
Their day would start whilst others slept,
And they’d work till dusk, we’re told.
River Wharfe glide quietly past
Countryside quite unsurpassed.
They sheltered travellers from the cold –
Worked hard to farm and care;
They taught God’s word, found time to pray.
With others in despair.
River Wharfe race headlong past
Countryside quite unsurpassed.
Yet from their income they would share
With others who had none.
Hunger and poverty was their lot -
No time for having fun.
The River Wharfe still courses through
‘Neath heathered hills, and skies of blue.
Copyright 2007