Michelham Priory poetry competition 2004:
Entries by Daniel Lewis Elton
32a High Street,
Seaford, East Sussex,
BN25 1PL.
(01323) 896037

A Day at Michelham Priory

Enticing land of Michelham,
Its verdant lawns and mill at hand,
My friends and I we spent at this,
A summer’s day in perfect bliss.
Inside, the priory and all its beams,
Outside, the moat and Cuckmere stream.

The day we spent in rêveries,
Amongst the treasured gardens here,
Of monks and peoples long ago,
Of sculptures dressed with flowers below.
Inside, the priory and all its charms,
Outside, the grounds brought peace and calm.

A fête we saw with country folk,
And many wares – some bespoke!
We spent our pounds on rural crafts,
And later watched the ferret stars,
Wriggle and race down darkened pipes,
While a crowd looked on with much delight.

The crowd dispersed and went its way,
The sun it dipped and left today.
A time well spent at Michelham,
With food and laughter we left life’s sham…
Perhaps to visit again sometime,
When the weather’s fair and the sun does shine.

The Ghost of Michelham 

There was a ghost called Daryl,
Who wore some black apparel,
Came out the tower,
To pick fresh flowers,
And sang a little carol.