Kingships

This is a strange poem, because it ran away with me while I was writing it back on Wednesday. The first part is about a battle, although there is an elemental or magical element to it. It looks back to the bronze age, perhaps, to an ancient epoch. And then the second part is a kind of mirror of that, reflecting and changing it, and I wanted something which would contrast, and that sort of wrote itself too. So lots of images bubbling up from the subconscious!

Having re-read it, I added two lines to each stanza, thinking of yesterdays events.

Kingships

The battle fought, the hands raised high
And victory in the making did they spy
Cloaked in an ancient garb, lent this day
End the conflict, let justice have its sway
And the armies of your people win the fight
In blood, the victory, darkness over light
And as weariness creeps over, standing still
Remain vigilant, hands high, and act of will
Until you can stand no more, then take rest
But to not as yet the cloak of power divest
A stone to sit upon, sacred power of earth
Steady the hands, hold firm, a rebirth
Of the spirit, of courage, bravery, might
Until at last the sunset comes in sight
Take off the cloak, return by the sunset
A pledge to be given, repayment of debt
Victory won, the people great once more
Defeat of that fell enemy at the door
As night falls, wash yourself, return to camp
And take the holy oil, and light the lamp

Healing in sunset, a final night draws near
And they come, those gripped by fear
And they come, the sick, trembling, in pain
And they come, for healing once again
This battle will not be fought by sword
And they come, and cry out, my Lord
And he stood before them, very still
This last night, this final act of will
And healing of his power, now divest
Until he is wearied and takes his rest
A stone to sit upon, sacred power of earth
Within a garden, sunset comes in sight
Of the spirit, of courage, bravery, might
Are needed for this final battle field
But he will take the cup and not yield
In blood, the victory, darkness over light
Drink the cup, prepare to end the fight
Victory nearly won, forever more
Defeat of that fell enemy at the door
As night falls the soldiers come with lamp
And will take him to their prison camp