I SAW YOU COMING

19th September 1356

Poitiers. France.

I saw you coming
That's how legends are made,
I sent your soul spinning to hell
I run you through with my blade.
Your armour no protection
Against this ash, feather and steel,
You refused to bow to me
To a new master. You refused to kneel.
I saw you coming
All banners and bristling swords,
Marching men at arms
Prancing horses, plumed knights and lords.
In all your glory at Poitiers
Our arrows rained down from the sky,
You heard the whisper of steel tipped wings
And they sentenced you to die.
We arrogant English archers
Waved two fingers toward you,
Then dashed down with stilletto blade
And coldly run you through.
Proud knights of France lay dying
In their own filth and deep mud,
Some whimpered like a baby
Whilst others died as a warrior should.
That day I saw you coming
With the Oriflame flying, bloody red,
You promised us no quarter
But, it is you who lie vanquished, dead!
The mighty English archer
A common man of village and dale,
Destroyed the cream of the French army
At Poitiers we did prevail.

Phil Hall  May 2014