Boireannaich Làidir

Brave Woman ….

Boireannaich Làidir

Flora MacDonald

Jacobite Heroine
1722 to 1790

On Benbecala island in the Outer Hebrides

Under class protective care of a Clanraid chief

Dwelled brave striking lass Flora MacDonald

One fateful day a royal guest sought refuge

Bonnie Prince Charles was his famous name

Beseeching the Jacobite to support his plight

After some trepidation Flora agreed to help

And disguised him as an Irish spinning maid

Thus in masquerade Betty Burke was created

Setting sail to Skye they made good an escape

On arrival hiding restfully overnight in a cottage

Avoiding governmental soldiers on to Portree

Charles eventually made good flight to France

But a boatmen spy turned Flora over for arrest

Sadly in Dunstaffnage Castle was imprisoned

Eventually was transferred to Tower of London

But later released under Indemnity Act of 1747

To reclaim a renewed life as best Flora could

Three year later married a kind Kingsburgh man

And immigrated to North Carolina to start afresh

Both fighting with the British in the Revolution

On capture they were deported back to Skye

Where they lived out a now gentle serene life

Concluding a story of Flora’s astonishing times

It was reported when Flora peacefully passed away

Was buried with a bed sheet used by Prince Charles

A final touching tribute and homage to her bravery

Copyright @ Phillozofee 2018

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I'm not a history buff at all, but your storytelling is so friendly & approachable, it's easy to come under your spell of historical sharing here! *smile* Good job including details that are clear & a pacing that's compelling. It all sounds poetic except for the stanza starting with "Eventually was transferred . . . " which takes on a more scholarly tone of teaching history perhaps!??!! But then you quickly return to your more lyrical storytelling style to the end (((HUGS))) Fondly Margie

[Phill Oz O'fee]

So pleased you found this interesting - thankyou so much .. :-)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Amazing and beautiful tribute to this brave woman, Flora MacDonald. Love the eloquent weaving of facts into a ballad worthy of her courage, loyalty and resilience. “Brave Woman”- Yes! Thank you for this wonderul poem Phill.

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Fascinated by historical heroes - just needed to write her story! Thank you for your comments and kind review :-)

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You are deservedly welcome my friend! I am fascinated by them as well.:))))