The Ballade On Joan Of Ark Poem by Victor Hudson

The ballade on JOAN of ARK
By Victor Hudson ©2015
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France was in ruins: Hundred Years' War
Allied with deadly plague and famine
To bring her to her knees. Seemed anymore
No one believed that  mighty Lord in Heaven
Was taking care of men or crops or wasted lands.
In 'heart of hearts people couldn't comprehend
Why cursed-dog Englishmen prevailed in every fight,
As if it was, indeed, their true God-given right.
There, in a midst of indistinguished creatures,
A peasant girl of very common features
Heard Voices from Above; at their command
She left her village in a quiet land,
Then saddled a horse and raised a sword.
Like forest fires spread the word
Across the country's places high and low;
Nobles donned the armor,   laymen strang the bow.
They followed The Virgin as a flock of geez
And in nine days Orleans was released;
In Rheims' Cathedral t' King received his crown -
Thus France was saved. But in another town
The Maid was burnt to ashes at the stake.
Methinks, in clouds, angels made 'mistake...
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