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She was born, Jeanne d'Arc and nick-named, The Maiden of Orleans;
             This is a brief history of the short life of, Joan of Arc . . .


      Joan is known for her bravery, courageous heart and visions,
A fearless girl and an inspirational mascot holding a banner;
            Considered a heroine of France and a canonized saint,
She was born in 1412 in an obscure village, a peasant girl.

      At thirteen or so, Joan started to hear voices and have visions,
Of the Archangel Michael, Saint Margaret and Saint Catherine;
            She said that God had chosen her to lead France in battle,
Historians suggest that she had schizophrenia or epilepsy.

      However, Joan left her village and rose to prominence in France,
Just a young girl who wanted to help France from domination;
           From the English in the Hundred Years' War that began in 1337,
"I must be at the Kings side . . . for my Lord wills that I do so."

      Joan was disguised as a male soldier and given protective armor,
Made to mold her body, a horse, a sword, and a banner to hold;
            And she led many battles against the English with her army,
But she said that she never killed a single person during battle.

      In 1430, Joan was captured and handed over to the English,
To be put on trial for seventy charges, from sorcery to horse theft;
            And for wearing men's clothing, a crime in that era.
She begged to keep the armor to prevent rape but was denied.

      They found her guilty and she was sentenced to be burned,
So on May 30, 1431, she was tied to a stake above a crowd;
            Joan asked for a crucifix held before her and one on her,
And during the burning she repeatedly screamed, Jesus, Jesus.

      Weeping Joan forgave all those who executed her that day,
They burned her body twice so there would be no artifacts;
             And then threw what remained, ashes, into the Seine River,
It is written that many watching were crying and weeping also.

      Twenty-five years after Joan's death the charges were debunked,
She was pronounced innocent and declared to be a martyr;
               Beautified in 1909 and canonized in 1920 by the catholic.
Joan is quoted as saying, "I am not afraid . . . I was born to do this."

   
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August 27, 2015


Poetry/Narrative/Joan, Maiden of Orleans
Copyright Protected, ID 15-704-159-0
All Rights Reserved.  Written under Pseudonym.

For the contest, Joan of Arc, 
sponsor, Isaiah Zerbst

Fourth Place
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