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Joan of Arc

This quest arose for Jeanne d'Arc,
   A peasant girl engrossed in prayer.
   When voices deep inside her head,
   Spoke of her future, saving France.
   During the passing march of time,
   Wise words transcended Jeanne's belief.
   With eloquence she did proclaim,
   The Dauphin Charles would be crowned king.

   Jeanne's duty now, to free Orleans,
   Which Englands army had besieged.
   Her strategy of no retreat,
   Caused panic in the English camp.
   When cannon fire created haze,
   Two arrows pierced Jeanne's armour plate.
   Despite her wounds she battled on.
   With victory lifting the siege.

   The road to Reims to crown Charles king,
   Was fraught with danger near Patay.
   Jeanne's orders were, to ride with spurs.
   The English drums beat out retreat,
   French knights on horseback giving chase
   Were almost ambushed by their foe.
   A startled stag caused disarray.
   The French knights spilling English blood.
   Jeanne kneeling down, tearfully prayed,
   Betwixt those dying and the dead.

   With Charles crowned king, and wanting peace
   Jeanne's siege of Paris did surcease.
   Her power was his great concern,
   Consigning her to free Compiegne.
   A skirmish by the city walls
   Ended with Jeanne's captivity.

   The trial of the Orleans maid
   A charge of heresy was placed
   Which Jeanne as always did deny.
   With threats of torture or confess,
   Those voices past, she did retract
   Only to say, it was Gods will.
   So weary now, she knew her fate.
   For modesty, she wore mens clothes
   Convicting her of heresy.

   Within Rouen's old market place
   Jeanne's death was burning at the stake.
   An English guard made her a cross
   He wept then cried, we've burnt a saint.

   9/ 15/ 2015.

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