Meeting Godiva

Being sent to Coventry was a phrase used if people weren't speaking to you. Coventry has its own heroine Lady Godiva, who was a landowner 900 years ago. Coventry has an interesting history.

I was sent to Coventry recently

not at all because I was out of favour,

but as a reward, a pleasant treat.

There were plenty of people to meet

who were more than happy to chat.

I decided to call on Lady Godiva

now resident in Broadgate.

She sat side saddle on her horse

stark naked, her long tresses

cascading seductively over a shoulder.

I did not undress for the occasion

though I did wear my lengthy hair

loose and unencumbered

also the weather was far from warm.

She didn't utter a whisper from

that raised plinth, overlooking the square

determined and proud, she stared ahead.

Unembarrassed by her lack of clothing

or the roving eyes of others.

I congratulated her on having the gall

to confront her wealthy husband.

Must have been infuriating for him

as she paraded au naturel through the streets

on a busy market day.

He dared her, reportedly saying

he wouldn't change his ways

unless she humiliated herself.

He no doubt thought he was safe.

Incensed that he intended imposing 

the most punitive of taxes on people

who could ill afford to pay

her Ladyship took him on

preventing further hardship for the poor.

Nine hundred years ago,

yet to this day Godiva is held

in high regard by the citizens

of this town.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful poem shared dear Chris. Lady Godiva, a brave and wonderful woman. Left a memory of a beautiful lady who stood for the right things. I did enjoy the story. I believe you Europeans, less fearful of walking around buck naked. Thank you for sharing the amazing story and poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Coyote, thank you for your response. Made me smile about Europeans walking round buck naked. I haven't tried it yet, at least not in the streets :)

[Mary]

Lady Godiva showed great courage and strong character. A story about her I never knew, until a few moments ago, when I read this wonderful poem. Thank you!

[Chris Shaw]

Ah Lady Godiva is very well known in the UK. Sadly more people remember her for riding naked on horseback through the streets of Coventry without understanding why she did it. She was certainly courageous standing up to her husband when she didn't agree with what he was doing. Many thanks Mary.

[gram linski]

should have gone naked, Chris, you know she would have wanted it, Billy Connelly carries the mantle, lol, a moment in history, naked and alone making a stand,

[Chris Shaw]

Ha ha, not bloomin likely. Bit past my prime for baring all gram:) Thanks for your visit.
read moreHa ha, not bloomin likely. Bit past my prime for baring all gram:) Thanks for your visit.

Chris

[barleygirl]

Thank you for opening my eyes to a page of history I did not know! Your unfolding of the history is tantalizingly slow & deliberate with great details! Since I often mention getting naked in my poetry, now I need to ponder if a more extensive poem about nakedness is being inspired as I read this one of yours!?!?! It's very tempting! I love your lighthearted playful storytelling with a wee note of vengeance (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Margie. Yes Lady Godiva was quite a woman and her story inspired me to write about her. Thank you for calling on my efforts to remember her. Fondest to you,

Chris

[KeithBaucum]

I love this. You have a great writing style.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much Keith. Pleased for your visit and to meet you. Welcome to my page.

Chris

[R.E. Ray]

A legendary story summarized in beautiful and instructive poetry, Chris. Such a striking example of humility and selfless devotion to others.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Robert. She deserves to be remembered.

Chris

[Relic]

I'm sure if my wife had walked through town naked I would be uncomfortable. haha

Nice one, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Tim. I appreciate the visit. All the best.

Chris

[Lydia Shutter]

"I did not undress for the occasion"....such a clever line! What a powerful woman she was....one of the first to stand up to a man and win! Wonderful tribute to her. Lydi**

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lydi**, quite a woman she was. It was good to research her out while I visited.
read moreThank you Lydi**, quite a woman she was. It was good to research her out while I visited.

Chris

[Edie Blue Starfish]

I had no idea of the story. What a wonderful story and woman.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Edie, pleased to be able to advise you of a bit of English history. Lady Godiva was quite remarkable. Thank you for your visit.

Chris