»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #43
»
the lightning tree
| Open Poetry #43 |
|
the lightning tree |
|
|
TheAnonDavid Member
since 2008-08-28
Posts 237UK 
|
Just five and twenty summers old A highwayman was he, With two fine pistols in his belt, Gold buckles on his knee; Fair buxom doxies by the score And tankards of good ale, Made his life a merry one - And merry was his tale! His leather purse was always full He never worked a day With so much living to be done - And working limits play. At night he roamed the darkened paths A-mounted on Wildfire. There was no steed as fast or fleet In this or any shire. So many travellers in the dark Would hear the hidden voice. When they were told to raise their hands - They knew they had no choice. But yet he was a gentleman, With manners fit for court, As victims parted from their gold Would oftentimes report. Then, finally, one fateful night, Beside the lightning tree, He robbed the local magistrate - An error, you'll agree. As Wildfire sped into the dark The magistrate called out, "Your days are short, yon highwayman, As you will soon find out." And so a hue and cry was raised Across the countryside; They hunted for the highwayman, They knew he could not hide. But still he dallied, laughing loud Despite the wide alarm; He didn't care, he downed his ale, A doxy on his arm. The tavern was surrounded soon And muskets shone and gleamed Beneath the ever watchful moon; The magistrate then screamed, "Surrender, coward highwayman, You know you have no chance; Come out and take your punishment A rope will help you dance." He kissed his doxy on her lips And finished off his drink; He bade good night to one and all, The ladies got a wink. As faithful Wildfire pawed the earth He ran and leapt astride; He mounted fast in just one leap. "Now go, Wildfire, let's ride!" Alas, there were too many now Though Wildfire battled hard With men and muskets everywhere - And every path was barred. He threw his pistols to the ground, "You've caught me fair and good." He looked around from face to face, "Now let us shed no blood!" They dragged him from his Wildfire's back No honest men and true Would stand as jury with a judge As should have been his due. Just five and twenty summers old A highwayman was he, They hung him high into the air, Beside the lightning tree. But when the deed was done at last, And he was lain to rest, On moonless nights look carefully Upon the tree lined crest; And listen well for you will hear A ghostly humming choir Mark perfect time with drumming hooves - The sound of proud Wildfire. Then rub your eyes and look again And you will surely see A handsome laughing highwayman - Gold buckles on his knee. Just five and twenty summers old For all eternity; And watch him as he rides on by, Beside the lightning tree. Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Dylan Thomas [This message has been edited by TheAnonDavid (09-07-2008 05:53 AM).] |
||
| © Copyright 2008 David M M (UK) - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Your poems are enchanting, David. I love the classic flavor and your way with a story. ida |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I loved this very much indeed. Besides the fact that it was very exciting in itself, I loved it even more especially because of Wildfire. So many people wouldn't have named him. Thank you for that, and especially for giving him such a wonderful name. Being new, you don't know about Flicka. I was Flicka's for 20½ years and knew him for 2 years before that. He went to Heaven 6 years ago on 28 April 2002 with his head on my lap, at the age of 37½ years, which is a magnificent age for a horse. He was/is the happiest, healthiest, most wonderful horse that ever was born. However, I am still devastated at my loss. He was/is my life. - Owl |
||
|
ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Wonderful rendering David. Excellent pace and prance.  |
||
|
Bonnie j Senior Member
since 2003-06-27
Posts 1588Ohio |
Love the picture you have painted with your words. Maybe Wildfire was a shining black stallion.Head held high with a regal prance. Snorting as he pawed the ground with his young master The Highwayman. A wild gleam in his eye as his master and he did ride the lonely roads of wicked deeds. If you listen in the deep of night you will hear the pounding hoofs and the laughter of the beauty of Wildfire and The Young Highwayman. Love your story-poem. Hugs BonBon  |
||
Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I very much enjoyed your tale of the young highwayman and his gallant steed. Joyce |
||
|
TheAnonDavid Member
since 2008-08-28
Posts 237UK |
Thank you all for your kind words about the highwayman who, I know, will raise his hat to you all as Wildfire carries him past the lightning tree. OwlSA; I thank you for sharing your memories of Flicka; it is a good thought imagining him galloping on the permanently green meadows of horse heaven. Do not go gentle into that good night. |
||
Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
You made me lean forward to read the tale you told. Thank you for captivating me. A |
||
|
Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Wow, that was some tale! You surely got me excited. From the title which contains two fascinating names like lightning and tree, I could not guess in advance ... but it was a welcome surprise and I enjoyed it much. You write so very well! Love, Margherita |
||
|
OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you, David, for your happy image of Flicka galloping through the fields of Heaven. I know he will have lots and lots of friends there, being the epitome of Love himself, and I believe that he gallops off to the gate, every time an animal - or a special human - arrives at the gates and that he shows them around Heaven and introduces them to everyone and that he will be there at the gates to meet me when I get there. - Owl |
||
|
Abe Senior Member
since 2003-05-28
Posts 694Looks like Vero Beach, FL until the end! |
You took me there. Great piece! Abe |
||
|
CMP Junior Member
since 2008-07-23
Posts 22England |
i loved this, i had to know what happened next! kept me enthralled!!! |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
