Cleo at the Great North Door
The moon, a thin crescent, lit from within.
To the Eastward, The Plough, bright in deep space
And now here, the White Hart, whose yellow lights
Resemble a cruise liner out at sea.
Our White Hart, his slim neck collared with gold,
Badge of some noble line I do not know,
Glistening in the night, his status supreme
In his niche above the Prior's Courtroom,
So long ago, those days, when he was fixed.
The Hart watches us unblinking, head up,
Gold coronet, rich necklace, staring out.
Only our tall angel above our heads
Has some of his power, empty eye sockets
Looking over us all, into our eyes.
Her fierce face deflecting questions. Just look,
She says, look at my face and the White Hart,
Symbols of then and now, calling us all,
Requiring our attention and our love.
17th December 2006
By Richard Maslen (click to go back).
(White Hart with gold coronet: Badge of King Richard the Second, Blythburgh Suffolk)
Some Favourite Websites For March 2025:
Walberswick Ferry – Offering river trips as well as special occassion bookings
Climb aboard the launch Daybreeze and follow the River Blyth towards Blythburgh through Walberswick Nature Reserve - an Area of Outstanding National Beauty.
Stoneware Birds – Life-sized handmade and unique British birds, now available to buy online.
A charming unique gift or a treat for oneself. See the website to know how each one is made. Now available to buy online. Each bird is an individual creation, varying in choice from the perky wren to the plump bullfinch together with other well-loved British birds. Which will you choose?
George Borrow Trust – Explore about the well travelled 1800s poet George Borrow
The George Borrow Trust aims to advance the education of the public in the life and works of George Borrow in particular, by means which preserve, exhibit and study his writings and works and other material objects connected with or tending to perpetuate his memory or to throw light on his life and work.
Andy Seedhouse Boats – Andy Seedhouse Boats, Woodbridge - Boat Sales
A friendly and professional family-run business with an old-fashioned approach to customer service, located on the picturesque waterfront at Woodbridge on the River Deben. From dinghies and day boats to fishing boats and yachts, and even including liveaboard boats too, Andy brings his many years of experience in helping his customers buy and sell. Also chandlery, trailers, etc.
Waveney Wholesale – Suppliers of toys, novelties, giftware, china, housewares, pet items, beach goods and so much more
Established Halesworth-based suppliers with over 3000 lines stocked. On-line ordering or call and collect.