The Stairway Of The Great Hall

The Stairway of The Great Hall

She waited patiently in her room for her lady

At last the message came that her entrance could be made

Dressed in her jewelled flowing gown she stood

Looking down the steps into the Great Hall

Where the tapestries hung from the walls

Knights on horseback from a battle scene

Recalling days from medieval times and crusades

A lady in her tent perhaps a queen

The lion and the unicorn at her sides

A fireplace where the logs were ablaze

The family crest above the mantle-piece

Deer heads staring down from the gallery

Where minstrels once would have played

Now a string quartet were waiting for their signal

Great chandeliers hung from ceiling beams

Candles flickering in the evening breeze

Where curtained windows revealed

Frames that had slowly shrunk over the years

A polished floor awaited her first steps

The Yuletide Ball to welcome the Snow Queen

She cast a glance to each side

Looking for the one she desired

They had played as children in the grounds

Her eyes now searched for the blonde hair

Then by the bay window she saw him there

With heart fluttering she descended the stair

Copyright: David Hopcroft December 2024

Christmas Festivities

Christmas Festivities

Coloured lights strung across the street

Shop windows decorated with artificial snow

Lanterns hanging out from porches

Fir trees in pots lining the avenue

The hurdy-gurdy man cranking on the wheel

Carol singers are upon the Christmas stage

A small comes alight to greet the Yule

The beat of drums and all eyes are turned

For the mass band can’t be far away

Now the sound of brass makes its way

Down Station Street then towards the square

The drummers in their tunics heads held high

Trumpets and trombones are blaring out

Children held high on shoulders start to shriek

The reindeer are coming into view

A sleigh piled high with presents

Santa waving together with his crew

A giant figure now lights up the sky

There’s a snow queen come to claim her throne

See how the fairies are dancing around her form

Her wand casting spells of happiness around

Another band and then a crowd of elves

Rattling buckets collecting for a good cause

Dig deep into your pockets to show care

Christmas music blaring from doors of stores

Old favourites that Dad and Mum remember

Little huts are gathered around the square

Offering mulled wine as Christmas cheer

Children tucking into Stolen cake

Queueing up for turns on rides

Excitement is tumbling through the air

A time to give our thanks and spread joy

To make this Christmas very special

For every little girl and boy

Copyright: David Hopcroft December 2024