Sir, May I Cry Now?

He came in an hour past dark
at her table she did sit
when he had caught her eye quite well
he asked her “where is it?”

Thinking she would sparkle wit
she said “it is in your eyes”
he hit her in her pretty mouth
“lets have none of your lies”

her eyes asked him a question
and sparkled with an unshed tear
it was clear to all but he
but no reality would he hear

He used her there before us all
of her virtue made a lie
he looked down at her ashen face
said “I’ll kill you if you cry”

To prove his point he took his knife
and drew it down her cheek
her eyes begged us to intercede
we were cowardly and weak

He must have found that thing he sought
for he rose and took her seat
she lay there soaked in her own blood
too fragile to gain her feet

He raised his voice and called for ale
we took it to his table
where she had not yet risen
looking as if she were not able.

All was hushed as the taverns M’am
came boldly to his face.
We will have none of that in here
get you out of my place.

You are all afire he said
Are you here to take your turn?
His attention stayed on her
for she did seem to burn

She stood her ground
and the muffled sound
of the falling blade was lost
as it fell down
onto the bloody gown
of she who counted cost

He began to rise but a sudden pain
caught him unaware
he pushed the table hard away
to gawk at what was under there.

The blood knife had pinned him there
by the weapon of his choice
then the air was filled with blood
as we found our knives and voice.

We helped her gently to her feet
She stood I know not how.
She relieved herself over his dying face
Sir.  May I cry Now?