#NaPoWriMo day thirty

On most of his journeying
at home and abroad
Edward lingered
just long enough
to acquire open neglect,
a dark and imperious temper;
his wasted frame
wrapped in the skin
of hope.
 
*
 
There had to be a home.
However, as the case may be,
nothing is known about those
who lingered—there has been little
statistical recognition.
 
Here is what is recorded:
he was born, died, buried.
 
So ends the story:
a rare and lovely name
destined to ill luck.
 
They did everything possible
to save him—his wasted frame,
his energies, filled with all
manner of replicas, his body.
 
*
 
There is a disagreement among authorities
as to the number: some say fifteen,
others seventeen, eleven, or thirteen.
Their names – those who lingered:
Eleanor, Joanna, Margaret, Mary, Elizabeth,
Alice, Blanche, Beatrice, Katherine.
 
This much is well established:
all shared beauty. Some were blond
and blue-eyed, some duskier.
Beauty was worshiped.
 
That story will have to be told later.

NaPoWriMo day twentynine

Edward swore to avenge.
This was accomplished
by the use of fire.
 
Edward had instructions
to get as close as he could
to gain a position of strength.
 
Edward took up his position
and waited.

NaPoWriMo day twentyeight

without consulting,
he wrote to many.
he found Edward
prepared to do anything,
to take any action.
he took an active part
in demanding all
be summoned.
he took his seat
at the right hand
of experience.
 
*
 
abolished still
and unwilling
to proceed
he found
Edward making
a thorough
investigation
to coerce
wisdom
 
new charges
were added
it was said that
he confessed
to worshiping
an idol
 
the conspiracy
had the expected
effect. action
was taken and
defended
 
out into the open
the properties
of order were
assigned. there
were methods
he pursued later
 
*
 
co-operation was highly demanding.
prepared to coerce, Edward
wrote questioning charges.
the shocking catalogue
was now confessed:
worshiping skin and eyes
and bodies to be given.
action was taken, explained later;
a sermon which condemned
the properties of order,
a limited prosecution.
this decision wanted all
the methods of circumventing
the final act, the great tragedy.
he had played an inglorious part
because of his inability to confess.

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.