Who is this man, dare he stand before all of us?
Will not recant the words he wrote, not a single one.
Says to do so would be to lie and be unjust.
But simply saying what he did should get him hung.
He’s not a preacher, though he is a preacher’s son.
A minor teacher, not even a famous one.
He’s becoming known now throughout the mother land.
Could this be the start now of some new evil plan?
Called in question for his books by the Emperor.
He should tremble before King and conqueror!
Where’s his loyalty to his Holy Roman throne?
Surely he will recant one book, throw us a bone.
Words he wrote have power to tare the Church apart,
Peirce the empire in the heart as a poisoned dart.
What would Maximilian think if he were here?
Can’t permit this upstart to remain breathing there!
Listen carefully, as the man is put to test.
Would he recant the books? I listen with the rest.
What is this now? He’s asking for time to defend.
The Emperor should just dispatch him out of hand!
No, he is allowing this charade to go on!
Giving this instructor until tomorrow dawn,
To prepare and defend positions on the Church.
Good for us, no time left for even more research.
Well, tomorrow’s come and the teacher’s back again,
Our questions flow, he doesn’t seem to have a plan.
He won’t recant, but whispers softly “Here I stand…”
“I can do no other. God help me.” then “Amen.”
What was that? The King’s advisers, we look back and forth
The moment’s gone, caught in time, and from then henceforth
Became a defining moment in history
Leading to a Protestant Christianity
Martin Luther since has gathered adoration
Had faith and courage that resulted in Reformation.
Author notes
To become someone else, somewhere else…tough one. I settled on seeing Martin Luther's defense before Emperor Charles V of his writings from the eyes of one of the Emperor’s advisors. Martin Luther’s writings challenged the Church by, among other things, suggesting that we are saved by faith and not works, and that the Holy Bible and not the Church provides objective truth. Well, this poem is how I see it all may have gone down on those first two meetings between Mr. Luther and the Emperor. Reference www.christianitytoday.com/tc/7r5/7r5019.html for more information on this bit of history.
Written December 30th, 2005
A contest entry
- Please, for the love of poetry, enter this contest!! by zillion.
300 points, ended January 1, 2006, 7 entries
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What did you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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Interesting poem about Martin Luther
Keep writing, this is a good historical piece Great use of rhyme 
This was a powerful narrative piece
Thanks for your comment
All the best
Pozo
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Great write concerning the major historical era of the reformation. Martin Luther was a brave man, and started a lot of things rolling. There are so many interesting happenings about the reformation and, also, the restoration. You presented this in such a realistic, but poetic way. Blessing, Lora
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Thanks Lyndon.... I'm not always so wise. Thanks for the encouragement.
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Worthy effgort
This a studious bit of solid writing. It is not everyone's cup of tea but the effort and poem are worthy of commendation. Much effort does not always bring applause here. Popularity often means pandering to the majority. Choose your friends wisely. Lyndon, praising a celebration of Luther. Well researched and delivered.
Edited on Dec 31, 11:17 because 'typo'. -
Bravo!!! I felt like I was a bystander in the proceedings-looking and watching Martin's reaction to the accusations that were being made of him. He opened our eyes to such a valid truth-it's not by works, but by faith-what a relief!!!
Well scripted and presented! I give you an A+. vj -
ummm, a very interesting take on this particular history. Martin Luther is a very brave man(was lol) and did something very few would have the courage to do. It was a very important thing in history, for it not have happened, a lot would have been different. I could see this conversation going down. The contraversy and anger, as well as the frustation and confusion.It wasn't the easiest task but you did a very good job on it, and struck up interest with me (the reader) which is something every judge looks for. Thanks for taking the time to enter.
-Faithful Dreamer
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