History Lesson

Poor old Guido Fawkes who was born up in York
fought in Spain, rebel flame there was lit
and though it is known as the 'eighty year's war'
when he came back he hadn't aged a bit.
With Wintour and Catesby , they all hatched a plot
to send all of our MP's to hell
and only Lord knows if
with all that explosive
with more luck it would have gone well.
Fawkes heard people coming
who were checking the plumbing, their footsteps were near ,
and much louder.
Instead of the rats and occasional cat, they found
several tons of gunpowder.
And trapped in the cellar that unlucky fellah
no chance of receiving a pardon,
midst the hot dogs and beer
is punished each year
on a bonfire in my neighbour's garden.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Beaufort Avatar
November 14, 2015 at 8:01 AM
Yes history is strange. Your range of topics is quite broad, sir. And you are able to make everything entertaining. I salute you--I think that is better than sending a bomb.
Wigley Avatar
November 14, 2015 at 8:32 AM
Hopefully so, and sadly more topical with the latest news. Regards, Viv
Dietrich Avatar
November 13, 2015 at 9:07 PM
I always read of this day and this guy, and you sure have made it a humorous lesson. I really like this one.
Wigley Avatar
November 14, 2015 at 12:19 AM
Thanks, Andrea, isn't it bizarre that each year everyone celebrates a terrorist? Viv x
Vaso Avatar
November 9, 2015 at 10:12 PM
Well done, I mean the poem, not Guido!
Wigley Avatar
November 10, 2015 at 12:12 AM
Thanks Arthur, I sometimes like to educate and illuminate. Regards, Viv
Beam Avatar
November 4, 2015 at 11:26 PM
Haahhaa but it still worked
Wigley Avatar
November 5, 2015 at 1:07 AM
Well, here we are on November fifth, bracing ourselves for what usually sounds like the Moscow Air defence systems doing testing. Folks locking their dogs indoors, while my cat just sits on the shed roof wondering what the fuss is about. Thanks for dropping by, John. Viv
Laurie Avatar
November 2, 2015 at 8:28 PM
G'day Viv... as kids, this bloke was our hero even though we had no idea who he was or what he did; it was the bonfire and crackers that elevated Guy Fawkes into hero status - thanks mate - Lindsay
Wigley Avatar
November 3, 2015 at 1:55 AM
Yes, Lindsay, the first advert warning of the dangers of fireworks in Britain, back in 1605. Then 61 years later, half of London was razed to the ground by a bakery. Crazy stuff, history. Thanks for dropping by. Regards, Viv
Fisher Avatar
November 2, 2015 at 7:25 PM
Thanks for the lesson, Viv. This is such a well written and fun read. We celebrated Guy Fawkes Day (we got to burn a Guy in effigy) with my English friend a few years ago...with of course a bonfire, burgers, and beer.
Wigley Avatar
November 3, 2015 at 1:51 AM
On reflection, David, I can't think of many terrorists who get quite the adulation. Bizarre, isn't it? Thanks for dropping by. Regards, Viv
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace