Chanson Du Geste

Roland, arise,
Awake to tales of a hero’s fall,
Stand, midst comrades, bring Arthur, bring , come a host, one and all
They who shared the pyre
Who sang?
Who fought?
They who stood firm that day.

Epic tales sing too hard
To oft’ of lone deeds,
Sounding rare tones and muted truth humble in service’s, not glory’s hour
Notes clamouring sourly
Made base
Shallow
As they detract from true Cause

Heroes stand
Let your blades light a way.
Laid bare, naked , their use given free, no bounty sought in debased loyalty
For truth’s broadened meaning
And Myopic fervour
Narrowing thought
Dismembered by accessible aspiration.

Where went Roland,
Where now lies the Cid.
Hereward answer and sound off the roll, summon the fallen back to needful banners
Replies insinuated in silent nods
Shadows stolen
By charlatans
Hiding sad inadequacy ‘neath purloined noble cloaks.

When Heroes are rare,
Shall we invent new measures?
Shall we enable far easier vigils, slaying only false and shrunken giants
Within our conspiracies and plots
Navigable paths guiding
Through raped forests
So the mildly brave may be more bravely seen .

Shall we invent convenient Causes?
Gleaned from popular vote
Shall we invent committees discussing potential , awarding accolades of Almost
Shoddy myths of common and misleading pretence
So heroes might still arise
Rather than fade
And those who might stand for All, from our drab days do not fade..