SIR WALTER RALEIGH

The Last Days

The days have drifted

vaguely by like

windblown snow.

But now, without reprieve

I teeter, terrified

on the edge

of tomorrow.

I welcome the

faceless friendship

of sweet night,

recalling to my mind

those much loved

old, familiar ghosts.

My thoughts whirl

hypnotically through

an infinite river of time

as I languish now,

incarcerated within

these dank walls

of the Bloody Tower.

Where now, are

those sworn friends,

comrades in arms,

who vowed to fight

rebellion and

repression against

the Scottish King?

Slithering like

snakes in deepest

cover of grass

I’ll warrant.

~~

Dawn

Keys rattle in the lock.

The priest approaches!

~~

My last confession

will seek a state

of Grace to meet

my Maker, and

forgiveness for my

betrayal of the

fair Elizabeth

by marrying with

her maid.