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The Valiant Few

Ye men of Harlech heed the battle cry
Though hearts be faint and Celtic spirits quake,
The foe advances, raise the banner high
Let courage conquer fear for freedom's sake.

Day's dawning spreads its golden hope anew
Arise ye flagging souls and join the fray,
Triumphantly set forth, though we be few,
With glory shall be crowned this bless-ed day.

The bugle sounds, raise swords with Celtic pride
We mighty men of valour shall prevail,
Remember that the Lord is on our side
Defenders of this land, we cannot fail.

March on to freedom, may the day not close
Before we quell the voices of our foes.

09.09.20


'A Warrior Sonnet Poetry Contest' sponsored by John Lawless

Copyright © Wendy Watson | Year Posted 2020

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Elaine George Date: 9/26/2020 7:20:00 PM Great sonnet, Wendy...Many congrats on your top-notch win. ~ Elaine Login to Reply

John Lawless Date: 9/26/2020 5:27:00 AM Often the mistake of the oppressor is to mistake the gentle for the weak. Nicely crafted. Thanks for participating in the contest Login to Reply

Kim Rodrigues Date: 9/25/2020 7:19:00 PM Nicely done, Wendy! Congratulations! Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/26/2020 12:08:00 AM Thank you,Kim and congratulations to you.

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 9/25/2020 12:21:00 PM Enjoyed learning of this Celtic battle, Wendy. Your sonnet has a nice flow! Congratulations on your win. Hugs, carolyn Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/25/2020 3:11:00 PM Congratulations on your success in this contest,Carolyn. I enjoyed reading your sonnet again. It was wonderful and the final couplet was the icing on the cake!

Jack Webster Date: 9/25/2020 11:27:00 AM So many lovely lines & alliterative phrases: “and celtic spirits quake”, “let courage conquer fear for freedom’s sake”, “arise ye flagging souls and join the fray” (the play on words/ image with flagging, flag - raising the banner - is really brilliant. Uses the word flag to show both fear and courage, while substituting the word banner. Really satisfying linguistic-image puzzle), “triumphantly set forth” (the double ionic is so perfectly placed, and given luxurious space by the comma. Perfectly metered for the phrase) Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/25/2020 3:07:00 PM I really appreciate your in-depth analysis and enthusiastic comments, Jack. I must be honest and admit that when I wrote 'flagging' I was only thinking of the idea of 'languishing' spirits but find your presumed double entendre so apt in retrospect. Thank you so much for such interesting and thorough feedback. Were/are you involved in teaching language and literature? You seem so knowledgeable and your own sonnet was outstanding.

Linda Alice Fowler Date: 9/25/2020 8:43:00 AM Let's not quell the voices on this one-Congratulations on the placement Wendy! Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/25/2020 2:56:00 PM Thank you for taking the time to read and comment, Linda. Much appreciated.

Early Jae Date: 9/23/2020 2:25:00 PM I thoroughly enjoyed this entry! Good luck and thank you as well!! Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/23/2020 2:36:00 PM I really appreciate the time you have taken to read and comment, Early Jae.

John Gondolf Date: 9/22/2020 1:48:00 PM A wonderfully penned sonnet, Wendy, I can feel the Celtic pride as the men march forward. Best of luck in the contest. John Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/23/2020 2:36:00 PM That's very kind of you,John. I have read some great entries.

Carolyn Devonshire Date: 9/9/2020 2:37:00 PM Your sonnet is a riveting call to arms, Wendy, and I like the way you used some "Old English" words to establish the period. Great idea! Perfect meter too -- you can certainly write wonderful sonnets, Wendy. Best wishes in the contest. (I find it easy to write about war; the theme is so emotional.) Hugs, Carolyn Login to Reply Wendy Watson Date: 9/13/2020 12:20:00 PM That's very kind of you, Carolyn. It's been quite a while since I composed anything so I really appreciate your support. Carolyn Devonshire Date: 9/9/2020 2:37:00 PM And welcome back! I hope you are well.