PIERCEBRIDGE

24. THAT STRANGE SECT

On the outskirts of my home town lies the charming village of Piercebridge, whose main claim to fame is the remnants of a Roman fort that once guarded the nearby bridge. The ruins’ proximity to the neighbouring church inspired the following.

 

Billow of smoke, crackle of wood

Four around a fire stood

Watch they keep on nearby ridge

Warding fort and yonder bridge

Talk doth turn to things of home

All the news from distant Rome

Prices up, Senate's wrecked

Rumours of a strange new sect

Claims a Kingdom and a Head

Says that He did rise from dead!

And though against it Rome may rail

Gates of Hell shall ne'er prevail

Curious tale doth raise a laugh

Wait until they're blown like chaff!

For end of days these do not fret

On Rome the sun will never set

Might like hers no one has seen

They even have a posh latrine!

No, their clock will ever chime

Rome will stand till end of Time

 

Fast forward to the present day

See their fort beneath the clay!

No more Rome, twas overturned

Lost to history's endless churn

Tall neighbour stands in restful state

Buttress strong and steeple great

In royal purple slate bedecked

Claims the name of that odd sect!

From barest acorn it did grow

Rose to see off every foe

Watched as pagan Rome did fall

And quietly rose to conquer all.


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