A Man For All Seasons Poem by John F. McCullagh

The sunlight is too bright for me-
I was in prison for so long.

My trial, a show staged by the Court,
condemned before I spoke a word.

I thought, by silence, to preserve
my family from Penury.

I counted not on Richard Rich-
compensed to commit perjury.

“Lieutenant, help me up these stairs
I’ll find my own way down, I think.”

Though weak, I stand and face the crowd
Some bravely bless me as I speak.

“I die loyal servant to my king
But I give primacy to God.”

(I would not take the proffered oath
That would make Henry more than Lord)

“I give my life for Holy Church
like Fisher did before me.”

Catherine is my rightful Queen
Anne Boleyn, King’s plaything..

“Axe man; spare my beard I pray-
my “Treason’s” not its doing.”

By your blade is More made less?
No, More serves God in heaven.

To those who caused his Martyrdom
The blade was less forgiving.