This poem is a for runner to my poem on Charles Stuart Parnell see below. It was written by Patrick Kavanagh and I acknowledge kind permission of his estate for its non commercial use.


The Galant Fool by M.A.Meddings

Raglan Road

By Patrick Kavanagh


On Raglan Road on an autumn day I met her first and knew
That her dark hair would weave a snare that I might one day rue;
I saw the danger, yet I walked along the enchanted way,
And I said, let grief be a fallen leaf at the dawning of the day.

On Grafton Street in November we tripped lightly along the ledge
Of the deep ravine where can be seen the worth of passion's pledge,
The Queen of Hearts still making tarts and I not making hay -
O I loved too much and by such and such is happiness thrown away.

I gave her gifts of the mind I gave her the secret sign that's known
To the artists who have known the true gods of sound and stone
And word and tint. I did not stint for I gave her poems to say.
With her own name there and her own dark hair like clouds over fields of May

On a quiet street where old ghosts meet I see her walking now
Away from me so hurriedly my reason must allow
That I had wooed not as I should a creature made of clay -
When the angel woos the clay he'd lose his wings at the dawn of day.




My Own Poem

The Gallant Fool

by M.A.Meddings


He walked on Raglan Roads
Towards his own down fall
As many had before
Victim to the pretty smile
The silken beguile of a Lady
Sweet Katherine was her name
And he cast aside the fame
For her love
None may know him well
The galant fool Charles Stuart Parnell



Poetry by lastromantichero The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 398 times
Written on 2006-09-22 at 11:30

dott Save as a bookmark (requires login)
dott Write a comment (requires login)
dott Send as email (requires login)
dott Print text


BlueyedSoul
not only are you a poet, but you are one of the most intelligent poets i have known...and incredibly talented as well..
a lovely piece michael, just lovely

~Cindy
2006-09-22


Kathy Lockhart
Oh the romance of history. Then the poem and then your poem. It was pure pleasure to read. I love getting glimpses into historical lives. It makes it all so very real. It reminds me these are real people not just stories in a book in a classroom. Why wasn't I taught this way in school. It would have been so much more enjoyable and I would have listened! In your poem my favorite lines are these:
"As many had before
Victim to the pretty smile
The silken beguile of a Lady"
Another amazing write, Mike. :) kathy
2006-09-22