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 :)

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I showed up to meet her, too. But damn, I was afraid of that, I over-dressed for the occasion...

i am reminded of Peter and Gordon...."she found fame and made her name"----

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. Yes, we were all overdressed, but what a fascinating history lesson:)

read moreThank you Jacob. Yes, we were all overdressed, but what a fascinating history lesson:)

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A lovely tribute yet her fame has paled into simply being a nut who bared her breasts on a white stallion and rode through Coventry. A heroine forgot but for her breasts which seems to be a lesson and an antidote to the past 48 hours discussions lol

[Chris Shaw]

I don't think her fame has paled in Coventry. There is much there which is a reminder of her and her compassion. Thank you John.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

But wider no one seems to know of her courage and fortitude.

[Chris Shaw]

No they are focusing on her breasts :) See how shallow some people are :)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Indeed and missing the point!