Ironbridge Gorge

 Beyond this sacred soaring arch, two hundred years and more

have passed since stolid Shropshire men brought forth an iron Jerusalem

and held the  World in awe.

The fearsome flames on Lincoln Hill, by coal and steam engorged

the bellows roar, the anvils ring, proclaimed this new awakening

a world was being forged!

No mighty tomb of Mausolus, nor flaring Pharos light.

No Temple of Diana hides, nor bronze bedecked Colossus strides

in this, now tranquil, site.

and yet, this iron beneath your feet might tell a nobler tale

The modern World itself, begat of Derby, Newcomen and Watt

was born at Coalbrookdale!