Herefordshires’s Hampton Court/Castle Gardens

Cherry

By Rhiannonw

Mon, 06 Apr 2026
  • 218 reads
7 comments
 

Look down from the tower
and so let your gaze
see those who are struggling
their way through the maze.

Once noticed the panic
of a troubled dear friend –
one ran down to help him,
led through to the end.

Down tower’s stairs,
and then through the tunnel
emerge in the little garden,
sunken, small scale,
walk behind the fountain –
wave and watch the world through the watery veil!

Certificate U
Poem
Countryside explorations
Autobiography

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

What beautiful photos Rhiannon.

Your poem reminds me of when I got stuck in a maze, it took me ages to find my way out, I think it was at Longlete, but I'm not sure it was so long ago, but I recall being in a panic.

Jenny.

 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

I think there's some sort-of 'keep left' rule, or some such, but I think I went through with my husband each time, probably. But it can be a bit panicky. Some of our children and grandchildren went in last week, but it is awhile ago since I went, and the photos are from quite a while ago, but are very similar to what they took last week. 

Lovely place altogether. I don't think the house is open at present except maybe for special events, but the gardens are lovely and the meadow leads down to the river. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by insertponceyfre... on

That looks and sounds wonderful Rhiannon, and what a stroke of luck to be able to spot someone in trouble from the tower!

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

thank you. It is lovely in many aspects as I told Jenny. And, yes, that tower is useful to help any panicking. The yongish man we had staying wanted to do it on his own I think, but had had a really hard upbringing, and had done some amphetamine abuse I think, now off it, but his health and nerves were a bit damaged. Lovely lad, but glad for my son to join him at that point! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you for the cherries. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

Wonderful imagery in this evocative poem. Lovely photos, as always.

I've been to this part of the world but not to this location. I simply must.

Really nicely done, Rhiannon.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

thank you so much. it is a place we have enjoyed a lot. We once went to the house, but normally it has been the gardens, and I think the house is not open at present. My son and daughter-in-law have just bought a half-year ticket as there is so much for their children and visitors to enjoy, and children do like returning to a place they know.

I thought afterwards that the people on the tower are also able to call down directions to friends in the maze! Rhiannon