The sunlight is too bright for me- <br />I was in prison for so long. <br /> <br />My trial, a show staged by the Court, <br />condemned before I spoke a word. <br /> <br />I thought, by silence, to preserve <br />my family from Penury. <br /> <br /> I counted not on Richard Rich- <br />compensed to commit perjury. <br /> <br />“Lieutenant, help me up these stairs <br />I’ll find my own way down, I think.” <br /> <br />Though weak, I stand and face the crowd <br />Some bravely bless me as I speak. <br /> <br />“I die loyal servant to my king <br />But I give primacy to God.” <br /> <br />(I would not take the proffered oath <br />That would make Henry more than Lord) <br /> <br />“I give my life for Holy Church <br />like Fisher did before me.” <br /> <br />Catherine is my rightful Queen <br />Anne Boleyn, King’s plaything.. <br /> <br />“Axe man; spare my beard I pray- <br />my “Treason’s” not its doing.” <br /> <br />By your blade is More made less? <br />No, More serves God in heaven. <br /> <br />To those who caused his Martyrdom <br />The blade was less forgiving.<br /><br />John F. McCullagh<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-man-for-all-seasons-3/
