Lament

It had been a long hard day, 
many had gathered in the clearing and now,
as the light began to fade, still more came.
In two's and three's they joined -
and finding a place they settled down with their small bundles.

Now and again someone would look up and nod a greeting, 
there was no merriment, 
no laughing or drinking as there had been before, 
for these were not happy times.

Through the flames that danced above glowing embers, 
their faces I could see, 
each line spoke its own tale of past hope's and future dreams. 
And still a silence reigned. 
Only the cracking and spitting of the fire disturbed 
the chill evening air.

Each pair of eyes focused into that flickering light 
and as they watched their destiny was played before them.
Occasionally, fresh fuel was thrown into smoldering remains, 
and thus this night went on.

By early morning, 
all the camp fires had died and many prayers been spoken,
as we waited, 
we watched the rain pour down like liquid silver 
and the smell of heather rose up to greet us as if first born.

No words were exchanged, 
only thoughts read upon grey faces.
Each knew their role and their part would be played 
without hesitation or fault.

We could see and hear the scarlet of the Prince 
below in the clearing. 
Now as the sun began to rise on this our day of judgment, 
we knew for most of us tomorrow would never dawn. 

So with families by our sides we took last embraces.
For those that had them, 
Claymores were lifted, 
as the wave of scarlet rushed up to meet us in contempt.

The heather alone shall remember the brave.

We waited in tense anticipation
for this enforced repatriation
of a proud and mighty nation
under the musket and sword saturation.

Far to the East a castle could be seen 
through the evening drizzle that enveloped as a cloak.
My caked hair fell across my face as I rose from spattered mud.
I could feel bloodied skin cracking as I moved.

Standing, 
I looked up to the darkening sky and through the haze 
could see two Hawks circling overhead. 
Apart from their occasional calling everything was quiet and still.

My gaze fell to this once beautiful glen, now, 
after the Devil had waved his hand 
and his fire and brimstone had been scattered, 
the remains of a terrible carnage claimed the serenity.

I could see my father and brothers frozen in time, 
now in a circle of death that surrounded me.
No movement, 
only their cold eyes staring for all here had perished save for me.

I cursed the Prince and all his kin for eternity.

And as my tears fell onto bloodstained heather 
we had stood for the last time with only death to share.
And I weep for thee sister as the hurt runs always deep,
and I weep for thee brother as the blade sent you to eternal sleep.