Untitled Document

Billington

This name that you mutter
is a mere Chinese whisper;

a maddening mutation of my first Bi-lla’s Dun.

Billendon, Billesdon, Belyngdone, Billington

Each later generation, a little more forgetful
a little less respectful of Old Billa on his hill.

Bellendon, Bylendon, Bellyngdon, Billington

You’ve smoothed out my name;
made a stream-pebble-polish

shaved a gibber-gabber sound
with your lazy liquid tongues.

Billington, Bilindon, Bylindon, Billa’s Dun

Billa fed his folks from the fields on these slopes.
Billa wed his wife in the shrine on the crown.
Billa said his name when the Lord came a-calling.
Billa bred his sons to hunt the Britons down.
Billa sped to battle, conscious of his fame.
Billa bled this land of all its former names.

Billa’s Dun! Billa’s Dun!
(Billa’s done,
Billington....)

Written for the occasion of the ‘Sounding Out’ fund-raising afternoon on behalf of Willen Hospice at Billington Manor Sunday 15th July 2001

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