Step down from the coach
Stretch aching limbs to ease the pain
Coat wrapped around, hat pulled down
To keep out the wind and the rain.
The Boars Head, faded sign
Swings above the oaken door
Smell of stale pipe baccy
Straw spread across an uneven stone
floor.
Sit down in a darkened corner
Peer through smoke to see what I might
see
Put my hand down to stroke an old
brown dog
His head is resting on my knee.
Order a chunk of unleavened bread
Just this side of stale
Block of rind on cheese
A flagon of foaming ale.
Molly the Innkeeper’s daughter
Looks at me, if looks could kill
I used to come and court her
I had to leave against my will.
I’ll tell her I still love her
Five long years been apart
Perhaps she’ll forgive me
And give me back her heart.


Geoff Clay, Bishop Auckland