Do Not Disavow

Do Not Disavow By: Rick Davis   When Charlemagne established law Salic in barb’rous land, The gospel flourished, and he saw Christ’s praise on every hand.   (“Do you approve his methods now?”) I do not disavow.   King Godfrey took Jerusalem From bloody paynim hands And brought a halt to Musselmen Invading Christian lands.   (“He did some mean things anyhow!”) I do not disavow.   King Richard with his scarlet shield And passant lions ‘bossed Rode forth again unto the field To regain what was lost.   (“His deeds at Acre you allow?”) I do not disavow.   Unto the Germans Luther brought The gospel full restored, And Calvin at Geneva taught The glory of the Lord.   (“The Jews? Servetus? Holy cow!”) I do not disavow.   Stonewall and Lee like knights of old Fought for their native soil, The true and lovely to uphold Against the tyrant’s spoil.   (“Those vile racists ...

Riddle Me This

I wrote this riddle for my 8th grade students who are studying the Middle Ages this year. The poem is in the style of the Anglo-Saxon riddles found in the Exeter Book. At least one of my students got the answer. Any guesses?

With brandished blade             the wind I beat
When broken is the belly          that bore me.
The sun strengthened                my war-sword,
And the sky I sought                  to assail.

As my gore-blade grew              it became golden.
A stiff sword                                 in battle me slew,
And my body broken                  was crushed and burnt.
My destroyers devoured me     in their dens.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Not sure it fits... but I'm going to guess wheat.

- Derek