Ancient Hero, Firm and Honourable Til Death

I am very pleased to present a fourth collaboration with great poet and friend, Robert Lindley. Only Robert's mighty pen and personal encouragement could possibly have inspired me to venture beyond my more familiar Free Verse. Thank you, Robert, for your great inspiration and ongoing fellowship. Ancient Hero, Firm And Honourable Til Death A collaboration with Robert Lindley 9th November 2018 Twas not roses painted bright red upon his shield he that with great courage refused to ever yield; with beating heart and full faith in his saving God slayed monstrous beasts, going where only heroes trod with no complaint of hardest sacrifices made, he gave back no ground and bright red-blood wet his blade. Family crest of roses and red bird of prey. Its motto, 'True to our beloved God we stay'. Decades flown by, great battles fought under red sun bravery gave strength to finish what was begun; strongest spirit with true soul to match and hold true to the solemn vows and painful costs surely due his right arm, servant of Light, Truth and Divine God, with love of family and his faith, his firm rod. Family crest of roses and red bird of prey. Its motto, 'True to our beloved God we stay.' War's end, dusk of last decade under cloud's cover would be pride and pain greatest to lifelong lover; fiercest and most wicked was the very last foe, The Serpent King blithely cast gods and angels low; most prized the triumph or most abject the defeat, in driving rain the greatest challenge he would meet. Family crest of roses and red bird of prey. Its motto, 'True to our beloved God we stay'. Unclean was the battle and untold was its cost, lives of men and monsters were sacrificed, not lost; The Ancient Hero stood and faced The Serpent King, final bloody battle he knew would bring death's sting; perished with his bane, war's demons and gods destroyed, mightiest foe with him he took into the void. Family crest of roses and red bird of prey. Its motto, 'True to our beloved God we stay'.