from Kaleidoscope, my first book of poems,
broadcast on BBC Northwest
broadcast on BBC Northwest
 |
photograph taken at Tong Church, Tong village, where my book Thin Time is set |
Dame Elizabeth de Pembrugge
Push open the baize covered door,
and step into the dust filled, underwater light,
the smell of damp hymn books, decaying flowers,
and in this time stood still for all eternity,
here on the altar tomb lies one grand dame
beside her chain-mailed husband,
her dignity still intact, despite the best attentions
of Cromwell’s bigots, who hacked her nose,
her feet, her hands.
The clatter of the latch announces the departure
of another visitor, as I remain in the evening sunlight
that slides across the paving, and listen to those two proud figures
repeat their nightly conversation,
and wonder if she thought the cause was just.
Or did she scorn Sir Fulke beside her,
having no admiration for armoured splendour,
lion guarded feet and noble chivalry, preferring him
to stay, defend the castle, fulfil his feudal obligations,
rather than to dash in religious blood lust
to the first crusade?
I hear her icy words crackle through the vaulted air,
berating him for his stupidity, his early death,
saying that she would gladly have forgone the honour,
the cost of this expensive tomb,
if he’d had the sense to forsake the glory,
and remain with her at home!
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