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Open Poetry #5
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On Such a Night As This (repost)
| Open Poetry #5 |
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On Such a Night As This (repost) |
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John Yaws Senior Member
since 1999-10-09
Posts 860Texas 
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Ah, lass, and ‘tis a brutal night- Too bad for man or beast. I’d like a flagon of your best- And bite to eat at least.... No beds? It matters not at all- I’ll sleep on yonder floor- And wi’ me naked blade to hand- I’ll gladly guard yon door. Who am I? Names don’t count a wit It’s what I am that counts And what I do that pays me way- And settles me accounts. A soldier! Aye, all that and more! A Scotsman if ye please! I’ve marched to battle to the pipes- While English took their ease. How old? Now lass, I canna say- I guess I dinna recall. When I first came the bloody moon- Was very .very small. Me, sword ye say? It’s different... I guess it is at that, Here near the hilt’tis slender- Where Scottish swords are fat. And shorter, too: than average. By near a foot I guess.. But in the heat of battle- The short sword is the best. Rufo used to tell us..... Hmm, where’d I get that name.. I don’t recall the rascal’s face, And thats a bloomin’ shame. I watched as Rome was burning- I know tis hard to b’lieve- For centuries ha’ passed twixt then And this, so stormy eve... A, soldier lass, I swear ‘tis so. Upon me very life By salt, by fire, the banshee’s cry; And by me Khyber knife. What’s that? Ye’d have me move along? On such a night as this? I’m daft ye say? I’ve done gone on? Ah, ye’re mistaken , Miss... Well, lass, I’ll brave the elements No roof for me poor head.... If not for soldiers such as I Ye’d all long since be dead. I marched wi’ Ceasar’s legions And fought in the Crusades, An’many donneybrooks between Which memory evades. Aye, leave I will, and curse the place And curse you pretty Miss, To turn a traveler from your door On such a night as this. . Visit My Home Page http://www.geocities.com/montcogunslinger/HomePage.html |
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| © Copyright 2000 John R. Yaws - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
...and even better the second time around! Wow! This is one great poem, Gunslinger! Loved it! Denise And slight is the sting of his trouble Whose winnings are less than his worth; For he who is honest is noble, Whatever his fortunes or birth.~~~Alice Cary, ~Nobility~ |
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Bbuzz Member
since 1999-12-17
Posts 76Washinton State |
I did not see it the first time, but VERY GLAD I saw it now. HOW WONDERFUL! I was THERE! Thank You, Bev |
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Meadowmuse Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263 |
Gunslinger, Gunslinger come tell me a tale... be't soldiers an' cyclamen, field thistle an' ale red days blawn wi' battle Cauld nights in th' sheugh, Warm ingle-lowe's craw frae the trail. (...sorry, I couldn't resist) Oh, this piece is a treasure, indeed, and I thank you for the gifting!  Claire |
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Rus Bowden Member
since 2000-01-13
Posts 139 |
Hi Gunslinger, Oh this is a fine poem. Love your language, your speaker, and the rhyming tale. So good! Rus |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
good read I've had nights like that |
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