Dundry & Chew Valley Poets

BONES

On his white horse commanding from the ridge

The General surveys the tranquil vale

But sees across the river with its timber bridge

Sadly dry faded olive groves, and pale

Grapefruit that lies, grazed by a hungry cow.

"Soldiers!" he cries, and "Will you follow me?

"The time to root corruption out is now ...

"Whether we conquer, so will our land be free

"Or not; now Captain, bring those Bones here

"Cut to what Greeks call cubes, whited and sere

"Marked on each face, with equal chances. Fear

"Ye not what these bones tell, but boldly throw

"The Dice. Maybe they'll say to boldly go

"Across this River, Rubicon."

The rest, you know.

Chris May