The Ballad of Bilberry Reservoir

Stranger, as you walk my shore
and think my home a tranquil place,
look closer: do you see a frown
within the ripples of my face?

These were not always quiet waters.
When first the moor gave birth to me
this valley echoed with my laughter,
unfettered, I ran wild and free.

Men looked in envy and desired
to bend my labour to their wills.
They made an earthen dam to bind me,
pipes to bleed me for their mills.

But I was strong, and with a storm
conspired to burst my prison walls
and through the breach my righteous anger
surged in furious waterfalls.

That happy night!  How I did dance
among the streets and houses, free
to vent my power and forge anew
my ancient pathway to the sea.

That time is gone: men learned to fear
and built for me a stronger cage
in which I languish, left to brood
on memories of a better age.

What else to do but plot revenge
with my old friends, the wind and rain.
You who think me tamed, beware:
I sleep, but I shall wake again. 

Inspired by the great Holmfirth flood of 1952, caused when Bilberry reservoir burst its dam.