Kings Culverwell Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

There is a tale which locals tell,
that long ago Kings Culverwell
lay close beside the briny sea.
A haven of serenity,

Until there came a mighty storm
much fiercer than the winter norm.
The villagers were terrified
much too afraid to look outside.

It seemed as if their end had come.
When thunder rolling like a drum
was barely hears above the gale.
The stoutest hearts began to fail.

When dawn broke and daylight arrived.
No one was missing all survived,
their world had changed there was no sea.
Just stinking mud where it should be.

No view now of the rolling sea
the scene had changed dramatically.
The sea had withdrawn from their door
for fifteen miles or maybe more.

They were left stranded high and dry
and no one knew the reason why.
Some blamed the storm but others said
the sea had shifted in its bed.

The world had changed and so must they
and live their lives a different way.
At first they found it very strange
but they adapted to the change.

They’re farmers now not fishermen, .
No one alive remembers when
their village stood beside the sea.
To them its ancient history

Here’s little evidence to show
their tales are true but locals know
a ruined harbour wall still stands
incongruous amidst farm lands.

Whose stones erosion by the sea
confirming their veracity.
Though it may seem far fetched to you.
That does not mean it isn’t true.

4-Dec-07