Wednesday 30 August 2017

Porte de Halle

Last bastion of great city walls
That girded Brussels long ago
This «medieval» landmark soars
Above two lanes of traffic flow.

Once fortress, granary and gate
Prison and archives dépot
Its survival gave rise to debate
The Dutch decreed it should not go.

Re-built in neo-Gothic style
By Beyaert, the King's protégé
In granite, brick and turret tile
It has a "Disney" look today.

Perched on an outcrop, facing Spain
With pre-Renaissance themed displays
Modern pilgrims come again
To imagine life in bygone days.

A Galicia monument nearby
Recalls this much-trod pilgrim route
While silent cannons face the sky
Their role in our defence is moot!

(c) Poet in the woods 2017



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