It's In the Woods

The ancient wood is this way
Look there is a sign

This old house and it's grounds are open to the public
Most of the time

What's made us shut the gates
What's made us keep the public away

It's present in the dark wood
That's all I have to say

The old gates have rusted iron
Yet, they do not squeak

The track into the wood is eerie
But we'll go and take a peek

Stop, look there in the dell
There, sat on the stump

A man sat in battle dress 
From centuries ago

He's eating some food
Let's go have a word

Excuse me sir I didn't know
That a battle day it is

He looks at us confused and low
Yes, battles what it is

Please sir, do tell who your commanding officer is and where he can be found
He's way over on the other field, just off the battle ground

Did your enemy come to his knees in the battle fought?
Enemy was our countrymen who disobeyed the law

One more question sir before you go back on the battlefield
What year is this and who is your King or Queen?

You fool, you see the boots I wear, the sword of steel I carry
The year is 1644, Charles is my King, I'm needed at the front

You say that you've killed your countrymen, is that where you now go?
He turns and stands and looks at us, then starts to walk back.

He stops and stares and then with a smile
He confirms his role in death

Then turns and walks into the wood
Disappearing without a trace.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace