An Ode to Malpas

An old photograph taken on Church Street Malpas

My name is now Malpas as you may know
I was born on Doomsday as Depenbech many centuries ago

I sit atop of the southern end of the Sandstone ridge
Overlooking the Dee Valley and the Sealand inverted Y Bridge

A hill top stop on Watling Street when Rome was strong
I became a fort to keep out the Welsh when the Normans came along.

I was once recognised by a King past as a busy market place.
Main Road, Canal and Rail passing me by, and providing a haven from life's crazy race

I was cavalier at the time of civil unrest.
When life was simple, those first few years were arguable the best.

I eat Cheshire cheese and consume the 3 pub's wine
I am perceived to be wealthy and poor all at the same time

My pets are horses, pigeons and porkers
My fields and footpaths covered with Dog walkers

My skirts edge is embedded with memories of Yesteryears
I have riding stables coming out of my ears

Alas my world is changing as humans flood in
My streets have become crowded and full of din

I still welcome children of all ages from everywhere
but have no public bus or train to actually get there

Weekly I still peal St Oswald's Bells
As our new rector with weddings and christenings excels

Arteries blocked with large tractors, builders lorries and 4 X 4s
As the new town fills up with many more doors

My colour was black, white and green, albeit now arguably dead
As my town is filled up with terracotta red

No Highway Code rules here, so tempers get frayed
Some older residents still glad they stayed.

Generally safe and secure in our country lanes.
I'm glad I'm alive watching over the Shropshire plains

I live in hope for harmony and a life that was simple and plain.
But that age has gone and will be never again