Stepping Stones

Stone Edge

a view from and of the way to Stanage Edge.

 

Map these stepping stones and you will know where you have been,

But will you ever learn from all that we have seen?

 We have quarried out our story, as our memories have grown

And marked the march of time on the boulders and the stone.

(Chorus) 

Stone Age, stone step, stone edge, stone ridge,

Footpath, footstep, footprint, footbridge.

We have chipped out meagre words to the rhythms in our head,

Pressing footprints of our journey on the pathway we still tread.

 We saw the ragged traveller with sapphire tears for eyes,

Longing for her lover whilst choking on his lies.

We have spied the wounded soldiers, weary from the war

Tramping up these rolling hills girding up for more.

We smiled at laughing children as they scrambled on the ledge,

And saw them older, weep and waver on the edge.

We heard the pack-horse whinny, heart pumping, up this slope,

Whilst her salt trader, eager, breathless, travelled on in hope. 

We have seen the joy of workers, freed at last from toil,

Become climbers pitching up to let their ropes uncoil.

The nights have fallen, like leaves and lives, too soon,

As smoke from a thousand wood-fires whispered to the moon. 

So up this rolling rover’s way, as you tread this stone age stone

Know your final step is one you take alone.

Look back down, along the winding of your way,

What marks your aftermath, what will your headstone say?

Might weeping and weariness be your final measure?

Or will your joy and hope be the memories to treasure?

(Chorus) 

Stone Age, stone step, stone edge, stone ridge,

Footpath, footstep, footprint, footbridge.

 

November 2008