The Vale of the Bride by
Douglas Northover
Photo - Jack Bailey
On land or sea, wherever I've been
My thoughts have come back to my own native scene:
From Bridehead's calm pool to Freshwater's tide,
The lovely green vale of the small River Bride.
Of Chesil's steep crubb when winter seas roll,
Of Chilcombe's quaint Church, and Puncknowle's high knoll
I think once again, and somewhere inside
My heart swells with love for the Vale of the Bride.
I see gentle hills, and the green water meads
The pools and the bars where the grey heron feeds,
Oh just take me home, and there let me bide
In the peace and the calm of the Vale of the Bride.
