The day was fair, the grass was green,
A gentle cooling breeze did blow
In the square, a platform seen,
‘round which a crowd was gathering.
On the walls guards glanced below
And shuddered, taking in the scene.
A madman raved but none did know
About what he was blathering.
Atop the platform set up here
A barren pole thrust towards the sky
English bishop standing near
The moment he was savoring.
The guards with their young charge drew nigh
The hate filled crowd began to jeer
She walked between them, head held high,
Her footsteps never wavering.
He stood with smirk upon his face,
“Bring the Maid up here to me.”
Though she was sore she moved with grace,
Chains in the sun were glistening.
“Last words?” he asked and thus said she;
“I have no fear, death I embrace,
My God-sent voices are with me.”
The crowd stood silent, listening.
To the pole she then was bound,
And fearlessly stood tall and proud,
Much wood was laid upon the ground,
A fire guards were kindling.
She firmly stared across the crowd,
Hot flames soon rose up all around,
Her eyes did stream, her head was bowed,
She felt her courage dwindling.
But then her voices spoke again,
She felt her strength return once more
She pushed aside the burning pain,
Though heart inside was fluttering.
The flames rose higher with a roar,
And consumed all but the chain,
“She’ll be remembered evermore,”
Some fervently were uttering.
Author notes
This is an interesting rhyme scheme, one I've never used before.
Rhymes go: ABACBABC, where the C rhymes all end with -ing.
As the title states, it is about Joan of Arc.
Written August 28th, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- Thats ancient History by Lady Wildheart.
439 points, ended January 6, 3 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - History Has a Way of Repeating Itself by Carpe Noctem.
875 points, ended January 17, 21 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Lets Go Historical by ScarsFade.
510 points, ended July 17, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - A Time in History by Poetess12.
1200 points, ended September 30, 22 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - Form Poetry --- II by rinzurajan.
700 points, ended November 1, 56 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 16 of 16
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the form was interesting...captured my attention instantly...
good luck -
I have always been interested in the history of Joan of arc ever since I saw a movie about her.
Your poem is well written. The word use is great.
It paints a picture of Joan of Arc and is an interesting time in history.
Thank you very much for your entry
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You amazed me with this write, so visually intense. the rhyme and flow adding pathos to that day infamy. The verbage is fitting and excellent. well done.
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I agree this was well written put so wonderfully what a perfect poem you have a lovely way with words and an amazing way with your delivery. this poem was pure poetry good luck in m contest and please keep writing.....much <3....scars.
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thank you so much for entering my contest!
This is an amazing poem! It really makes me wanna read up on her history. This leaves a little mystery to those who don't know the story "why was she there?" "was burning at the stake common then?" "What was she remembered for?" I love the innocent beauty and grace she brings. "Though she was sore she moved with grace" I love that, it shows the grace, integrity, powerfully dedicated traits of a woman on a mission. 2 thumbs up!
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Thank you very much for being patient with me, and entering my contest.
Nice use of half-rhyme. Adequate narrative poem, but where is the imagery -
and all for a piece of cake...good write. thanks for entering and best of luck in the contest and always
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Now this is an outstanding display of rhyme scheme and talented writing. I had to check this out after browsing your current contest with a thousand entries! I wish I had time to try this one and get it in before the deadline, but alas, I am too late. I love the flow and rhyme here. Great job!
Frog~ -
And another very strong write. Excellently portrayed again. Clearly talented. Good luck in your future studies. I wish you well.
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This gave me goosebumps, both due to subject matter and a compelling form, well done!
regards,
dk -
Well I can see you certainly know your stuff - the rhythm is almost perfect iambic tetrameter, and anything in solid iambs gains bonus kudos from me. Line 2 in stanza 2 - I'd change 'towards' to simply 'to'. Also, 'blathering' in stanza one didn't work for me. I always see madmen as raving about post-apocalyptic visions, rather than simply blathering nothing. Those are the only real nitpicks I have with this; I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Wasn't it Joan d'Arc whose heart was supposed to have survived the flames?
I'll be keeping an eye on your work, and maybe entering your new contest. -
a good piece here yes, usually people are discouraged from using ing with rhyming poetry, the other day i was informed of a contest for a continetal sonnet, done in the style of ivan franko, where ing is used, please see my poem day and night that will lead you to the contest which holds the detailed information posted by vera rich
Edited on Oct 25, 6:52 because 'day and night not night and day'. -
Wow, this is packed full of imagery and emotion. I really like that you've tapped into history to write such a wonderful piece. Flow is excellent and it resonates in my mind. You've really captured the moment.
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Hi Shadowsong!
This is absolutely amazing, Shadow! I think it is also one of the bests I have seen so far in this contest. Rhyme, words used, flow and content, everything is perfect...I read a beautiful poem, or a story, I doubt, a master piece
Best of luck!
s
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just phantastic, truly wonderful ...
I was so carried away by the river of your emotion-filled words, right to the very place in history, where this memorable event had taken place a long time ago ... and yet, it seemed as if it were taking form just in front of my very eyes, right here and right now.
you are an amazing poetess, dear one, and a magician of words and rhymes. the unique form you gave to this write has further enhanced the impact of its powerful message.
I can only say : wow ...
the best of luck in this contest,
maa -
Wow
AWESOME POEM! Wow, I could feel the emotion on this piece..wow...you deserve to win, I hope you do!! Wow...that's really all I have to say...please keep up the awesome fantastic work...
~Phantoms Mistress
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