In sorrow Hereward took to bed
And vainly sought to sleep,
The sad news of his brother’s death,
And anger at those who stopped his breath,
Kept him tossing at great length
With red eyes from his weeping.

But then he heard the sound of song
Come from a distant crowd,
The sound of laughter and applause,
Of raucous dancing from abroad,
And harp and viols, rowdy roars,
In celebration loud.

Who are these joyful folk, he asked,
Whose gladness brings such pain?
How dare they share such happiness,
This day so near my brother’s death,
A time for mourning and distress,
Their happiness slays again!

(12.06.26)

© Ben Quant 2026
Image Ambrogio Lorenzetti, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons