Our Preacher lies upon his bed with Doll—
the only friend whom now he doth possess,
who watches what his conflict does to him,
embracing him to keep his heart as one
whilst he imbibes his drink to numb the soul.
By candlelight in nakedness they lie
not carnally, but rather to be close
beneath the blankets, sharing care and warmth
to comfort one another of their woes.
But Preacher's mind's preoccupied with thoughts 10
of what he's heard these passing sev'ral weeks
and th'evil Marshal set to lead the charge,
and breaks the silence twixt the two of them:
"I've heard the Chancellor's declar'd a date
a week from now—that's when they'll launch th'attack.
Or rather start the march of mountain's path
to circumnavigate and come upon
its southern face, where they'll descend the slopes
along the shipping route of th'other town
they use t'acquire ice from on the peaks. 20
This path is more the treacherous of both
that one could take to go from here to there
(I took the other road arriving here).
Consider, though, th'advantage that this gives;
by this, I would assume, they'll hope to starve
the town toward surrender, since they'll cut
their access to th'refrigerant they use
to keep their produce edible for long."
The Doll doth shiver at the horrid thought
and says: "What cruelty our troops possess 30
and Chancellor as well, endorsing this.
There must exist a way to stop th'attack,
or somehow warn the town what's coming up."
Our Preacher bites his lips, considers this
suggestion given out, but also what
would happen should he show his face within
the southern town upon the island's coast.
The Doll takes notice, speaking up at this:
"What troubles thee, my dearest friend? Did I
say something to upset thee only now? 40
Apologies, I'm not so privy to
these politics and oft am like to spew
offensive things, not understanding why."
He shakes his head and holds her tighter now.
With sighing breath he tells her what is up:
YOU ARE READING
As Ever Like the Sun & Moon at War
PoetryA troubled Pilgrim sets upon a road in search by sun and storm of paradise; a vain Pariah's banish'd from his home to render justice by the moonlit night: two individuals who share a flesh, each unalike in methods and beliefs, yet fated consequence...