Daniel Cheeseman Poet Epic

25th October 1854 Part 2

Left And Right

Either side the cannons roar
Took of blood and wanted more
Salvo after salvo into the valley
Point blank range to deter the rally

Water poured over steaming muzzles
Russian gunner at this sight puzzles
Tis madness against this cannonade
Tis the sacrifice of the Light Brigade

The quicker they fired the faster they came
Under billowing flags and the Queens name
Torn and shredded they carried the fight
And many a soul, never saw that night

The Redout

The Russian generals looked in wonder
Stood in awe at the total squander
The cannons barked and took their toll
Removing horse from man, man from soul

Rifle, cannon, spoke the same
The Light Brigade on they came
Thundering hooves and yelling cries
All for the sight of the Russians eyes

And at the distance of a lance
The Russian soldier in a trance
Sabres cut and slashed in violence
All was death in the cannons silence

The Russians fled in disbelief
Last shot fired to the Brigades relief
Bleeding soldiers and tattered flags
Stumbled, tottered, like wizened hags

Down The Valley

Looking back along that mile
Bodies, horses, pile on pile
Wounded men lean on lance
Said a prayer in skyward glance

On the ground a sleeping parade
Remnants of the Light Brigade
Depleted souls but not of honour
Yet a picture of battles squander

On the conclusion of this battle
Fingers wag and tongues will rattle
But nought should be put to shame
The Light Brigade and its day of fame

At Night

When the moon shines that longest mile
Hear the hooves on lush green pile
The rattling sabres and rippling flags
And how he rode the horseman brags
In the night the ghosts they ride
Full of honour and full of pride

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Linda Witt-King March 27, 2010 at 8:52 AM Daniel, what an outstanding portrayal of battle. It almost gives reason and purpose to the vaingloriousness of war, any war, if it serves as grist for the talented poet's mill such as yours. Well done indeed. I'm delighted to have found you.

James Fraser February 15, 2010 at 12:01 PM Daniel, this is brilliant. The Charge of the Light Brigade, the 93rd Highlanders at Crimea in the Ukraine in the Crimean War. Its a superb piece, and this is where we get the name Balaclava from. as they were sent out to keep our troops warm as it was bitterly cold. This fine poem is heading to my favs >> James

Sara Kendrick February 15, 2010 at 4:54 AM The ghost of those lost in victory....sad...for a young man to die before his time. Keep the creative pen flowing. Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my work. Sara

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen February 12, 2010 at 11:03 AM Daniel, This is a wonderful epic poem. I enjoyed both parts from beginning to end. The rhythm, rhyme and flow moved along perfectly. It was definitely an enjoyable read. Smiles, Dane Ann

Audrey Haick February 12, 2010 at 9:13 AM Daniel, this is a masterpiece in my book!! Well-written, full of fantastic imagery! You had to have put a lot of work into this, Daniel! Definitely go to my favs.! I've just watched a short, but great war movie in your poem! Peace, Audrey

Charmaine Chircop February 12, 2010 at 6:59 AM I enjoyed reading this part one and two interesting poem..good writing indeed Daniel...Charma