From being a little girl, my father and I would go walking in the wonderful countryside around our home. The Pennine Way ran through our area and we often walked stretches of it on a Sunday afternoon after chapel. Climbing to the highest summits around us, to reservoirs, over the moors, to where rivers began ,sometimes it would feel as if we were going to where time itself began. ​​It was here, amongst the elements, where my magical child could be free.  

He helped me climb the ancient way, his strength passed through his hand
Whilst silent marker, sentient guardian, permitted passage ower land.
Te Deum Stone he sat me on and told me of the tale,
that this be where the coffins rested, on t'last journey ower vale.

With breath reclaimed and fear abated, my trust in him complete,
My tiny hand within his palm, my eyes upon my feet. 
I durns't not fall, nor stumble, though cobble try to trick me, 
Whilst this giant man he led me on, to where we might be free. 

He raised my eyes towards the goal, black needle piercing sky - 
"In God's own country", said he to me, "There's only you and I.
The problems of the world you see, are far below and small,
Just keep your eye upon the spire that reaches to the All.
The Way it is a challenge, but will lead you to the fane*, 
So every time you struggle girl, climb high above the pain.
​My daughter how I love you, in your cotton clothes of youth,
my wish for you the Pillar, leading always to the Truth". 

My yellow dress, in tatters now has long time gone away
But the lessons of my father, stay with me every day. 
This hero and this god-like man, so human in his guise, 
Showed me how to find the Father, within my father's eyes. 

 * Temple or shrine
©Morgana West

The Te Deum Stone, aka 'The Coffin Stone', age uncertain, is inscribed with a cross and the Latin words Te Deum Laudamus - 'We Praise Thee, O Lord'.

Long ago the stone was regarded as sacred. Coffins were rested here during long journeys along the pack-horse route  in the Pennines.
​
Nearest Town: Todmorden, W. Yorkshire.
Nearest Village: Withens Gate, W. Yorkshire.