"To Samarkand"

Written in answer to "The Librarian Requests Your Attention" by Mademoiselle Omnisciente

Ah, to Samarkand with Flecker or Cathay with old Marco,

Or round the Horn with good Zeng He, so many years ago.

And when I was a soldier out there in the mire

We fought FOR running women and to save their homes from fire.

I'm written through with sagas and tales of misspent youth

And sufferings, wars and glories and that old search for the truth

And simple soldiers poetry that tell the tales of Old

And Beasts who came into your life to save them from the cold!

But when it comes to lessons, my slate is clean and clear

And so I come to sit with you, I come to sit and hear.

Copyright © Res JFB 18th August 2007