NaPoWriMo day twentyseven

a triumphal procession.
evidence of possession.
the first stages of display.
the enthusiasm of the captive.
he grew steadily weaker,
was charged with many offenses,
of conspiring, of mismanagement,
of unnecessary severity.
 
*
 
She had a praiseworthy body.
From the first, trumpets sounded
and heralds called attention
to this powerful miracle.
 
*
 
Edward was still wanted.
Honorably rescued
from the journey of forces.
The favourite in every town.
Passing through derision,
paid little heed, refusing
food and drink.
He feared he had not much longer
to live—cheated of revenge,
blamed for defeat; the steps
taken to gain for himself
a reputation, sentenced
by common assent,
accordingly. Unfortunate.

NaPoWriMo day twentysix

he never forgave
and was not freed
 
it had been costly
but he would come back
with high hopes
 
from this time onward
would break the chains
 
*
 
he took a leaf
from the book
 
an act of treason
the cost: lives,
possessions, prestige.
 
*
 
He took up arms,
and until his death
he was free
from confinement,
monastery, cage.
 
There is a legend:
he had once been
entrusted, was kept
through rain and
sleet and frost,
food and a bottle of wine.
 
Small forces,
but with days
of indecision.
Serving, he would
have one thought
only, one purpose
in life, no matter
what the cost.

NaPoWriMo day twentyfive

equal strength.
where the enemy
would penetrate.
equal strength
held as a reserve.
his greatest advantage
to form a proper array,
finding the larger force.
Edward cried
this was a necessary evil
to begin the battle;
cried scornfully
cowards!
 
*
 
There was some danger
being under the command of need.
A new conception of warfare.
Keenly aware there would be
neither time nor space for them
to find themselves.
Conflict began early.
This was a surprise.
The reason was soon clear:
reluctance.
 
*
 
A formidable barricade had been raised.
They were stationed and could be dispatched swiftly
where a need for them might arise.
On this day, nothing was amiss.
A winding road would bring them
to the battlefield. The larger the force,
the greater difficulty would become.
The morning brought word to Edward.
Edward was known for new ideas.
Reason would cover and permit use.
Force. Weight.

NaPoWriMo day twentyfour

the whole world began to ask a question.
the quarreler came to the throne,
a pretender who did not convince anyone.
he dodged his fate then gave up the struggle.
survival was, in reality, a penal code.
 
*
 
The master perished,
some malignant fate
pursuing. Born
healthy and handsome,
he was a poet
and surrounded himself
by minstrels and students.
Against fate, the path
seemed to have been cleared.
Who had the right to persist?
Refusal had been invoked
on several occasions,
its value declared.
 
*
 
the world pronounced the fate:
he was beckoned.
it was believed many substituted
a pretender. who did not?
surrounded by wonder,
he watched with interest
the struggle against fate.
there was a document
of doubtful application;
laws. Edward was prepared.

NaPoWriMo day twentythree

Edward made no effort
although some clamored
for action. aggression
had come to a standstill.
 
no plans could be discussed
with him; he had a grievance
to air. he was reluctant
to yield to ill treatment.
 
*
 
the power of resistance had been shaken.
a temporary triumph. come to a standstill,
vindicating judgement. Edward sent word
to come to his assistance.
in a state of bitterness and gloom
so deep no one cared to go near him.
before leaving he wanted to be held.
an ultimatum: if not released
at once, he would strike another blow.
still in a state of irritation,
an accepted condition.
 
*
 
to that end,
he made the wise
decision
to establish
use. for that
purpose Edward
sent assistance,
arrived to find
himself
beaten.
no plans
could be
discussed—
he had refused
to honour
his promise.
still being held
in rigorous
confinement
he finally
yielded
to the value
of the treatment
he received,
the condition:
approved.