Tricks Of The Light Storypoem Poem by ivor or ivor.e hogg

He haunts the minstrel’s gallery
and she the great hall down below.
Theirs was a love which could not be.
Which grew into a tragedy.

She was by blood of noble birth
and he of lower yeoman stock.
Regarded as of lesser worth
by powers which then ruled the earth.

They knew that they could never wed
Although their love was strong and true.
She swore that until she was dead
she’d never grace a marriage bed

Her father thought he could demand
obedience from his wayward child.
When she refused his firm command.
He hanged the minstrel out of hand.

She looked her father in the eye
when she was told what he had done
and told him that she’d still defy
his wishes. That he had not won.

Her father did not understand
that she meant every word she said
She took her life by her own hand
rather than wear a wedding band.

It’s said that to the present day.
About the love they were denied
together they still sing and play
Her father’s orders still defied.

Some say that they have heard them sing.
Perhaps they did I can’t argue
I am stone deaf can’t hear a thing
Except the silence echoing

Although I can’t hear properly.
My deafness sharpens up my sight
Sometimes at night I think I see
a couple dancing happily.

I think this tale might well be true.
I feel certain sympathy
but I still have my job to do
but ghosts are not in my purview.

I check on the security.
I see no reason for alarm
That’s my responsibility
which I take very seriously.

When I’m patrolling through the night
I do not claim the things I see
are anything but tricks of light
I do not feel I have the right.

Nobody ask so I don’t say.
I’m wise enough to hold my tongue.
What does it matter anyway
I do my job and earn my pay.

I deal in practicalities
I’m just an ordinary man
Who can believe if I so please
in other possibilities..

28-Jan-08

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