Dorset

Rime Intrinsica, Fontmell Magna, Sturminster Newton and Melbury Bubb,

Whist upon whist upon whist upon whist drive, in Institute, Legion and Social Club.

Horny hands that hold the aces which this morning held the plough—

While Tranter Reuben, T.S. Eliot, H.G. Wells and Edith Sitwell lie in Mellstock Churchyard now.

Lord’s Day bells from Bingham’s Melcombe, Iwerne Minster, Shroton, Plush,

Down the grass between the beeches, mellow in the evening hush.

Gloved the hands that hold the hymn-book, which this morning milked the cow—

While Tranter Reuben, Mary Borden, Brian Howard and Harold Acton lie in Mellstock Churchyard now.

Light’s abode, celestial Salem! Lamps of evening, smelling strong,

Gleaming on the pitch-pine, waiting, almost empty evensong:

From the aisles each window smiles on grave and grass and yew-tree bough—

While Tranter Reuben, Gordon Selfridge, Edna Best and Thomas Hardy lie in Mellstock Churchyard now.

 

    NOTE: The names in the last lines of these stanzas are put in not out of malice or satire but merely for their euphony.