Stationed near straight Ermine Street
your cold grip held us in your thrall.
You thought you were invincible,
standing on guard, so stern, so still,
but now you lie absorbed beneath
the nettles, the land reclaims its own.
Once you boasted of great empire,
today you sink neglected and alone.

On the 6th Day of Christmas, we went for a walk around the sculpture trail in Broxbourne Woods, a much frequented trail when our children were little. Sadly, time has had its toll. Some of the statues are missing, and others, like the Roman Soldier, have fallen.
(31.12.23)

© Ben Quant 2023