The Stonen Steps (William Barnes): Dorset Poem, Epirot Images; Stone Steps, Paths, Bridges

And up these well-worn blocks of stone

I came when I first ran alone

Were these old stairs laid down by man

Before the bridge's arched span?

The Stonen Steps

A MAN AND HIS FRIEND

MAN

These stonen steps that stand so true

With tread on tread, a foot-reach wide,

Have always climb'd the sloping side

Of this steep ledge, for me and you.

Had people built the steps before

They turn'd the arch of our old door?

Were these old stairs laid down by man

Before the bridge's arched span?

Did workmen set these stones so trim

Before they built the spire so slim?

FRIEND

Ah! who can tell when first — aye who —

These steps first bore a shoe.

MAN

And here beside the sloping hump,

From stone to stone with faces flat,

The littlefooted children pat,

And heavy-booted men-folk clump.

But which the last may beat a shoe

On these old stones: shall I or you?

Which little boy of mine shall climb

These well-worn steps the last in time?

Which girl, childquick or womanslow,

Shall walk the last these stones in row?

FRIEND

Aye, who among us now can know

Who last shall come or go?

MAN

The road leads on below these blocks

To yonder springhead's stony cove,

And Meldon Hall and elm-tree grove,

And mill beside the foamy rocks.

And up these well-worn blocks of stone

I came when I first ran alone;

The stonen stairs beclimb'd the mound

Ere father put a foot to ground.

'Twas up the steps his father came

To make his mother change her name.

FRIEND

Aye, who can ever tell what pairs

Of feet once trod the stairs?

William Barnes