Senlac Hill

Senlac Hill by Eddy Morrison (January 2013)

From Senlac Hill the fyrd looked down
upon those who would seize England's Crown
the Norman's ranks full serried wide
A Bastard's horde; a Bastard's pride

Upon The Hill, the shield-wall stands
As Saxon men defend their lands
'The Fighting Man' above them flies
below the Housecarls steadfast eyes

All day the shield-wall holds its own
defending English Harold's throne
All day both horse and sword surge in
Yet shield-wall stands and stands to win

But then the Bastard's ruse it out
and Saxons fall and Saxons rout
The arrow storm - that darkens sky
and pierces Crown and pierces eye

Then Senlac Hill confirms its name
as Saxon blood pours forth in vain
A shield-wall broke; a King brought down
A Bastard crowned in London Town

Today our children play and we
from Abbey grounds look down and see
The Hill, those fields where Swan-Neck cried
Where Harold fell - and England died