"LEGEND OF FOSSE WAY"
Riding hard under a moonlight high
not a leaf rustles
and it troubles my mind
In the distance I hear music
of the lyre and flute
The melody serenading the stars
The voice of a maiden
bleeds its way through the darkness
Singing an ole Bawdy Pub Song.
My steed swift at a gallop
hooves sound their click clack
crossing Halford bridge
we press on
History demands I deliver this message
I must make Exeter Castle by dawn
Two Queens vie for the throne of England
even God doesn't know
which is the righteous one.
Forest fairies ring the bells on the Foxglove
The Oaks without expression and still
A rare breeze slaps awake sleeping grass in the glades
toads croak complaint to the night's chill
This road is dominion of Highwaymen and thieves
Robbing those that choose this way to travel.
By the will of God and the Bishop's blessing
I will pass undetected by scoundrels and rabble.
Nourished only on bread and Brambleberries
Traveling by night taking sleep by day
All that I've seen are ghosts of Roman soldiers
On this road known as Fosse Way
Say my name Trevor Harrison
be mentioned in yarns
told in pubs and taverns.
History will decide if I be Patriot or Traitor
As a result of my actions
My wish is not to be forgotten
And live on in memory of this day
As one of the many legends
The many legends of Fosse Way.
Inspired by Alfred Noyes poem, "The Highwayman"
And in memory of my distant relative,
Robert Devereux, 2nd, Earl of Essex.
© JUDGE SANTIAGO BURDON
Judge Santiago Burdon's stories and poems have appeared
in over three hundred-fifty magazines, literary journals,
podcasts and anthologies.
Santiago was recognized as an International Poet and Author
in "Who's Who of Emerging Writers", 2020 and again in 2021.
Eight books published by three different distinguished presses.
He lives modestly in Tucson, Arizona.
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