Victoria Cave 25.6.22

 


Victoria Cave


As Queen Victoria’s reign began they found this cave.

My father, Greg, born as that reign ended, first took me there.

Today I take myself up to this place with its commanding view. 

Dalesman now Downsman, I return to Settle from Sussex, year by year.

Finding Victoria Cave proves my belonging, 

knowing the route over Attermire

where Twisleton forbears tramped to Winskill.

On this well trodden path I ascend to the cave

where mammoths and bears sheltered before humans

to capture afresh the beauty of Craven and be put in my place

as part of my family pilgrimage down countless ages.

John Twisleton   25 June 2022

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