.
Bodiam,
Brooding in the background,
Twice besieged romantic ruin,
Has watched the world go by
From 1385 until today
With sightless eyes.
He listens to the birds’ chirp,
Smells the flowers’ scent,
Bathes his feet in his private pool…
What more can an old man ask
Than to be a part of life
But savour his independence too.
.
Reference: http://www.guide-to-castles-of-europe.com/bodiam-castle.html
Image: ©Cherryl Stone
©DGA 18 November 2011 07:45
Adeeyoyo's Blog 
18/11/2011 at 8:17 am
I am totally amazed at the architectural accomplishments of the masons and other craftsmen of 636 years ago, without the benefits of cranes and earth-moving equipment and power tools etc. The time of construction must have been measured in decades. Thanks Denise for a really nice poem and post.
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18/11/2011 at 8:31 am
I agree that we have made so much progress in many spheres, Jack! But we still fail to live with each other harmoniously!
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18/11/2011 at 10:26 am
Jack is quite right about long construction times, Denise. Great post. I feel in empathy with your poem. Being somewhat of an old man, I too value my independance. I have made a promise to myself to go there. Thanks for the tip from way down south.
John
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18/11/2011 at 10:38 am
Yes, and it’s not really that long ago. We have made such advances in a relatively short time, John. The photo was taken by my sister who is living in England for a year or two – a ‘trial’ period. The children in the photo are some of her grandchildren.
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18/11/2011 at 10:32 am
A castle as a grumpy old man – haha – very apt!
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18/11/2011 at 10:40 am
I thought so too, Gabe. I could just picture him sitting in his rocking chair with his feet in a basin of warm water!
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18/11/2011 at 11:07 am
Very important to ‘be part of life’ and still ‘savour independence’. I love it – thought provoking!
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18/11/2011 at 11:17 am
Ah yes, I think so too! Thanks for the visit and comment. Love your photo. 🙂
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18/11/2011 at 11:18 am
That’s a lovely poem Denise
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18/11/2011 at 11:30 am
Thanks, Patrecia.
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18/11/2011 at 12:45 pm
and when the water gets cold in winter? maybe he’s even grumpier?
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18/11/2011 at 12:53 pm
I would think that, after all these hundreds of years, he doesn’t mind any more, or has become inured to feeling hot and cold, Sidey…
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18/11/2011 at 1:59 pm
Aaah, there is hope for us elders; independence is our most valued treasure.
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18/11/2011 at 4:25 pm
You are so right, Maxi!
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18/11/2011 at 2:42 pm
i think those are essence of a good life for sure….and so cool to still see castles standing…i wanna go to a castle…
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18/11/2011 at 4:27 pm
Yes, Brian, I agree… I fancy visiting a castle too, and I love the moat!
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18/11/2011 at 4:44 pm
Castles are so romantic . . . even when lying in ruin.
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18/11/2011 at 4:54 pm
Loads of atmosphere and ghosts of the past…
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18/11/2011 at 6:04 pm
Very fitting, poem to picture – love it and especially the depiction of the castle as an old, old man…
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18/11/2011 at 6:17 pm
Thank you, Ruth. 🙂
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18/11/2011 at 6:31 pm
Thank you for this image of a castle in word and visual, Denise. I love them and, because of geography, don’t often have the opportunity to visit. It amazes me that these ancient men still stand to remind us of who we used to be.
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18/11/2011 at 7:51 pm
I agree, Andra. Built with such crude implements and still standing… amazing!
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18/11/2011 at 9:43 pm
Oh, now, I never expected a treat like this, Denise! Bodiam is one of Phil and my favourite haunts, perched down there on the river waiting for invaders long after they have departed. Just love this poem, the picture of it sitting with sightless eyes. It’s one of the most perfect microcosmic castles: not huge but perfectly formed. Moat, drawbridge, the lot.
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19/11/2011 at 3:35 am
Lucky you, Kate. I agree, it’s absolutely gorgeous!
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19/11/2011 at 8:38 am
You capture the essence of atmosphere conjured by that impressive place.
Some years ago I stood on the ramparts looking out as men had done for so many centuries before me. I got chatting to a teacher, and I remember him complaining that the youth of today are quick to assert rights, but not to accept any of the responsibilities that go with them. Just something that stuck with me!
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19/11/2011 at 8:48 am
Thanks, Col. Probably some youth, but I don’t think he can generalise that all youth are like that. I find the youth of today are, in many ways, more mature than we were at their age.
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29/11/2011 at 12:00 pm
A curmudgeonly old castle, haha – lovely, Adee 🙂
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29/11/2011 at 12:26 pm
Oh, yeah, Bb, bit of a grump I think, lol!
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