Monmouth Raven

I went down to Monmouth fair

a sword and pistol to buy there

I thought to go a'soldiering

for the gold and glory it would bring

I saw a Maiden dark and sweet

a Raven played around her feet

a gleaming pistol she did hold

of fine rosewood and chased with gold

"Wear this pistol at your side

a spirit dwells here deep inside

half your silver this will buy

it's bark will be your battle-cry"

I proudly set it in my belt

the comfort of it keenly felt

then set to search for a sharp blade

then I espied the Raven and the Maid

A yard of steel was in her hands

ancient and blue from spirit-lands

graven runes were on the side

and I sang fell songs as I swung it wide

Alone now silver spent at last

I headed homeward tired and fast

but standing there amongst a crowd

the Maiden crying out aloud

"Who will save my Raven fair

and set him free into the air

these men have taken him to kill

they torture him my heart is chilled"

A group of drunken soldier's swayed

and with the girl's dear pet they played

their evil mouths called curses dire

as they pushed the bird towards the fire

"What cost it's life?" I called out loud

those preening King's-Men vain and proud

"A bag of silver" they replied

"Or those fine weaons at your side"

Moved by pity for the crying child

the captured bird that should fly wild

I gave the weapons with a curse

though they cost me deeply in the purse

The bird we tended all the night

come day it was returned to flight

it gazed deeply into my eyes

then soared up strong to freedom skies

So to the battles I did go

my heart for glory all aglow

but all that I did learn from war

a soldier's life is cheap and poor

Twenty years of war and strife

I lie hear clinging to my life

a sword cut to my chest

a great bird lights upon my breast

A raven old still strong and hoar

gazing at my wounds so raw

recognition in it's eyes

this King of woeful battle's skies

"I well recall your sacrifice

the pistol fair and battle knife

so now I will repay to you

My debts I pay my heart is true"

"No crow or bird will feast this day

the wolves that slink I'll drive away

To watch and guard you till you die

and see your spirit soar on high"

"And when  your body they do lay

beneath the soil of this spring day

I'll mourn forevermore the loss

and watch your grave from yew and cross"

And now that place is swathed in green

A Lady fair there can be seen

Her ancient raven  watches still

that lonely graveside on the hill. 

 

Reviews

[Katrina Mckeown]

wow, one of the best poems i've read on hear so far, love your style.
A most enjoyable read, also i love the poem called Raven, one of my fav's.