The Gaulois
Sons of the north, both fierce and grim,
Staunchly defend, while hope grows dim,
Their homes, their lives, their pride, their land,
From Caesar’s stone-like outstretched hand.
The ringing of steel and the cries of men
Outrage the stillness of wood and glen;
The slate-grey sky, and the cold hard ground,
Impassively stifle the bellicose sound.
Earth and clay ‘gainst legions of steel—
All in the end to the Empire must kneel;
Yet noble the cause and valiant the fight!
But as Rome reaches noon, Gaul fades into night.
Sons of the north, both fierce and grim,
Staunchly resist, while hope grows dim;
Defiant and brave, showing no fear,
They die to preserve their freedom so dear.
By John Barry
Staunchly defend, while hope grows dim,
Their homes, their lives, their pride, their land,
From Caesar’s stone-like outstretched hand.
The ringing of steel and the cries of men
Outrage the stillness of wood and glen;
The slate-grey sky, and the cold hard ground,
Impassively stifle the bellicose sound.
Earth and clay ‘gainst legions of steel—
All in the end to the Empire must kneel;
Yet noble the cause and valiant the fight!
But as Rome reaches noon, Gaul fades into night.
Sons of the north, both fierce and grim,
Staunchly resist, while hope grows dim;
Defiant and brave, showing no fear,
They die to preserve their freedom so dear.
By John Barry
posted by John Barry at 9:42 AM
2 Comments:
Very nice, I like it. Might I suggest, for dramatic effect, these alterations:
Impassive, stifle the bellicose sound.
All in the end to Empire must kneel;
Sons of the north, fierce and grim,
Long live the Gaulois!
Thanks for the comments, Bruce. If I anticipate entering the piece in a poetry contest, I will certainly give consideration to your alterations.
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