Lady Jane

‘Why do you stand by the window, weeping,

Why do you pull at your hair?

All I can see is the old pepper tree,

And the guards in the courtyard out there.

Is something you see that lies hidden to me

As the wind tosses leaves in the air?

Why do you stand by the window, weeping

Why are you lost in despair?’

 

‘I can see shadows from yesterday, creeping,

Shadows foretelling our doom,

Lock all the windows and put up the shutters

To keep them away from our room.

The soldiers rode by with a penitent priest

In a halter, they rode in the gloom,

The priest is now hanging, his life is deceased

And I fear they’ll be coming here soon.’

 

‘But what would the soldiers be coming here, seeking,

You have no secrets to hide,

Your father said you were an innocent maiden,

That’s why I made you my bride.’

‘The court was a stew of conspiracy, plots

And the Duke of Northumberland lied,

Lock all the windows and put up the shutters

And let me lie down by your side.’

 

‘What is this terror that you have been weeping,

Edward named you in his will,

Surely they can’t take the throne from your keeping,

Fate could not treat you so ill.’

‘I feared the moment that I took the crown

That the nobles would do what they do,

And now for your wife you will give up your life,

The soldiers are coming for you!’

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[K. D. Kromminga]

As usual it is well written and excellent use of pacing, imagery, and language.
Its a change from the usual scope and epic nature of your work. Leaves me wondering why you cut it down from your usual complete story down to an ending scene. There's a story here that begs to have more then an ending

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A grey mesh of words and feeling, well done, good read.

[David Scott]

Ah... A nice little history lesson. I think the children would remember their lesson better if they were taught is story form. Very well done.

[Chrys_Pap]

i feel too small to revise your poems...i just would like to thank you for the great work that can give me a lesson!

[Zahra]

Wonderful!

[redflutterby]

Correct me if im mistaken but is this a reference to Lady Jane Grey also known as The Nine Days Queen? Always loved the tales of the English Monarchy. Wonderful poem!! 

[Adam Lebzo -RonninWarri..]

Great flow and fabulous write, David
I've been away for quite so long
will catch up gradually

[Valentine]

For his wife..he gives up his life..I wonder how many men would do that...not many I suppose..old history is very interesting David..Katihe

[Mark]

So tell me the sordid chapter of English history upon which this was based...I had at first thought it to be in reference to Jane Seymour, but her old man was Henry, not Eduard, and besides, another reviewer said she was yet a child when murdered.

[Deuces]

I've missed your writings, friend. Full of suspense, fact, history and quality. Continue to send these read requests as I enjoy them immensely.