Tom Cunningham Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

Pictute credit _ Artstation- Samuel Allan

In 17th and 18th century England, travelling by coach on the main roads was fraught with danger from highwaymen. The most dangerous routes were the Bath to Exeter road and the London to York road, highwaymen operated on these routes and other minor routes.

The most famous of these were Dick Turpin and Claude Duval, some were gentlemen but others were ruthless killers, they have always been portrayed in a romantic image but there was nothing romantic about them at all and all those caught were sent to the gallows.

Sometimes their bodies were left hanging at crossroads as a warning to others.

Captain Luna

On a horse at the crossroads a pistol in his hand
Dressed in dark clothing he looked fine and grand
Waiting in the moonlight for the York coach to appear
With cool nerves of steel; he showed no fear. 

A gentleman by day and a Highwayman by night
Only carried out his crimes when the moon shone bright
Nicknamed Captain Luna; there was a price on his head
If you didn’t part with your valuables you’d end up dead

He heard it in the distance; the approaching coach
A lady friend had requested a necklace or a brooch
He'd heard some well to do had attended a ball
They'd be dripping with jewellery; he wanted it all. 

He moved onto the road as the coach drew near
His face covered with a black mask to instill fear
He ordered the two coachmen “slow down to a stop
And throw down those bags you have on the top”. 

He then shouted to the passengers" alight if you please
And line up if you will, over yonder by them tree’s”
Three ladies and a gentleman dressed in clothes so fine 
Adorned with jewellery that twinkled, in the moonshine. 

He said “you and your fine jewellery must forever part
Please fill up my leather bag and I'll let you depart”
The ladies were crying thinking that they'd all die
They thought anything Captain Luna said would be a lie. 

He went through the bags and pulled out a silk dress 
And thought to himself this will fit my lady friend Tess
He picked up his leather bag and into the night rode away 
Leaving his victims quite shaken and in total disarray. 


Written 15th day of April 2020.

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Caren Krutsinger April 30, 2020 at 7:50 AM "In total disarray" can mean so many wonderful things; I envisioned some of them. Tom Cunningham April 30, 2020 at 10:04 AM Thanks Caren, they didn't know if they were coming or going or laugh or cry lol. Tom

Jan Allison April 23, 2020 at 4:24 PM you are such a wonderful story teller Tom, another gem flows from your pen:-) hugs Jan xx Tom Cunningham April 23, 2020 at 5:37 PM Thanks Jan, nothing like captain Tom lol. Tom

Mark Koplin April 22, 2020 at 2:18 PM That was just absolutely wonderful my friend. I felt like I standing there watching. Thank you for sharing. Great poem!! Tom Cunningham April 22, 2020 at 2:33 PM Thank you Mark, every country has their dark characters, and highwaymen were dark. Tom

Paul Callus April 22, 2020 at 9:35 AM You entertain with your narrative, Tom. When I was young I enjoyed reading about highwaymen...it was up to the author to present them as good or bad characters. ~ Regards // paul Tom Cunningham April 22, 2020 at 12:29 PM Thanks Paul, happy you enjoyed it, they have been put in a romantic light but many were ruthless sadistical killers who'd kill for a florin. Hope you're well, stay safe. Tom

Eve Roper April 18, 2020 at 10:56 AM I like the history story, Tom, very entertaining. I wonder after they caught him if they didn't go to Tess and recovered some of the stolen goods. Stay well and don’t let the isolation get you down. Hugs Eve Tom Cunningham April 22, 2020 at 12:27 PM Thanks Eve, must work on a follow up, I think I.left folks hanging lol. Keeping busy with a bit of D I. Y. Doing jobs I've been putting off. Hope you're well. Stay safe. Tom

Charles Messina April 18, 2020 at 9:57 AM Great poetry, Tom. Thanks for the story and teaching us about some old history. Your stories are woonderful! Stay well and safe my friend. Charlie Tom Cunningham April 18, 2020 at 1:04 PM Thank you Charlie, the highwaymen were a mean bunch, nothing romantic about them at all. Tom

Richard Lamoureux April 18, 2020 at 9:04 AM Hi Tom, I hope all is well with you. Tom Cunningham April 18, 2020 at 9:17 AM Thank you Richard, all well and good, I hope you are too.. Stay safe. Tom

Mystic Rose Rose April 17, 2020 at 10:10 PM Very well done Captain Tom Cunningham April 18, 2020 at 9:16 AM Thank you M'lady., stay safe. Tom.

Jenish Somadas April 17, 2020 at 3:27 AM Wonderful way of story telling.. Exquisite flow of words.. I wonder, why it didn't last long with a funny or twist in the end.. Great write Tom.. Takecare .. Tom Cunningham April 17, 2020 at 10:54 AM Thanks Jenish, it was a ride off into the moonlight ending, I might write a follow up. Glad you enjoyed it. Stay safe. Tom

Andrea Dietrich April 16, 2020 at 6:28 PM ha, good ending but I was thinking to my self, this could be really funny if you had him go OOH and AHH when he saw the lady's clothing and then he started dressing himself in a beautiful dress! Tom Cunningham April 17, 2020 at 3:26 AM Thanks Andrea, now that's an idea, a cross dressing highway man lol. Will consult my muse. Tom

Richard Lamoureux April 16, 2020 at 2:41 PM Great story telling Tom. I was thoroughly entertained. Bravo. Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 4:20 PM Thanks Richard, glad you enjoyed it. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen April 16, 2020 at 2:30 PM - "A gentleman by day and a Highwayman by night" ... a double life ... even though this amazing story is "from ancient times" we all know them in today's society too ... but different methods - An excellent writing ability, Tom :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 4:19 PM Thanks Anne, you're right, now they Rob you online, many have been duped by scams, instead of a pistol they use a keyboard. Tom

Besma Riabi Dziri April 16, 2020 at 12:49 PM You have composed a thrilling poetic story that rhymes with the beauty of your expressive words and impressive imagery! So much enjoyed the read, Tom? A stunning work of Art! Thank you so much for sharing.. Stay safe. Best regards and blessings. Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 1:36 PM Thank you Besma, I love to compose historical rhymes, a lot of history has dark episodes and highwaymen were a dark part of England's history. Happy you enjoyed it, stay safe. Tom

Jennifer Proxenos April 16, 2020 at 11:31 AM Hi Tom, yes I know i have heard of these highway men and as you say some were painted with a romantic touch - I think I have read about Claude Duval - a great piece of history. loved this poetic story. Blessings and stay safe thoughts for you and the family. Jennifer. Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 12:01 PM Thank you Jennifer, Claude was quite the gentleman I read, unlike some. Another 3 weeks of lockdown. Stay safe too. Tom

Ann Gilmour April 16, 2020 at 9:47 AM Such an exciting story Tom I really enjoyed reading it, but of course it must have been so terrifying to have been stopped by a highwayman! Hope you are well dear friend. With kindest thoughts Ann xx Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 11:59 AM Thank you Ann, some were quite ruthless and they all went to the gallows, just heard another 3 weeks of lockdown. Stay safe. Tom

Vijay Pandit April 16, 2020 at 7:05 AM Your story is lovely Tom--even more enhanced by its historic perspective. I enjoyed the read from start to finish. Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 7:58 AM Thank you Vijay, happy you enjoyed it. Hope you're well. Tom

Demetrios Trifiatis April 16, 2020 at 4:18 AM What a thrilling story and what an exciting and well-crafted poem my friend, Tom! A FAV. Take good care my friend! Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 5:36 AM Thank you Demetrios, and for the fav. Stay safe Tom

Lindsay Laurie April 16, 2020 at 2:01 AM G'day Tom … very well written indeed. It's not easy writing a well rhyming verse on historical occurrences. Finding the right words that rhyme and make sense tests the brain matter - thanks Tom and stay safe Mate - Lindsay Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 3:35 AM Thanks Lindsay, youre right but I enjoy the challenge. Hope alls well. Tom

Sam Kauffman April 15, 2020 at 11:07 PM History so well crafted into rhythm and rhyme. I was pulled in from the beginning and didn't want to stop until the end. Wonderful way to teach history. Really nice write, Tom. Well done! Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 3:32 AM Thank you Sam, love doing these kind, there's so much material out there, every country has history, good and bad. Tom

Timothy Mcguire April 15, 2020 at 9:03 PM great poem I am wanting part 2 the conclusion! Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 3:31 AM Thanks Timothy, now there's an idea, Might not be a happy ending though. Tom

Panagiota Romios April 15, 2020 at 8:05 PM An awesome verse, Sir Cunningham which displays your knowledge of history, poetry, imagination, wit~ all in one swoop. Most obviously a FAV of mine! Congrats on a well done job! Panagiota xx Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 3:30 AM Thank you Panagiota, I love history and enjoy putting it into verse. Thanks too for the fave. Tom

Robert L. Hinshaw April 15, 2020 at 7:42 PM Masterful write, Tom - my kind of poetry! Bob H Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 3:28 AM Thank you Robert, Love to do these historical kinds. Tom

Arturo Michael April 15, 2020 at 7:20 PM You tell a gripping story...Enjoyed to the end... Tom Cunningham April 16, 2020 at 3:27 AM Thank you Arturo, glad you enjoyed it. Tom