The Scarlet Cross-- Poem About The Crusades

[wertquuuu500]

Here is another poem, entitled "The Scarlet Cross". It depicts the First Crusade, and what happened. It does not include the Sack of Jerusalem, though.

The Scarlet Cross

Tales are told of long ago
when men did deeds both great and bold
they fought with honor and chivalry
and unto Christ their hearts they'd strive to mold

once, the country was held by a dire fear;
the Turks, who held the Holy Land
were at the gates of Byzantium in the east,
it it fell, all of Europe would be under their hand
a council was called in the Eternal City,
great kings and nobles sat in the hall
with the Pope leading the fateful meeting
which would mean death or victory for them all

the Pope spoke to those gathered there
he showed the men what lay at stake
and urged them not only to fight for the east,
but also the Holy Lands retake
He shouted to the assembled princes and kings
with brilliant fire burning in his eyes
“Men of God, fight unto the Holy tomb of Christ,
and win for thyselves, heaven's eternal prize!”

he ended, and those gathered gave a shout;
“God wills it!” and they prepared to fight
against the Turks, and to regain
the Holy Lands, and for what was right
these men, inflamed with the love of God
thought not of death and pain and loss
nor earthly trials that might befall them
but the glory of God through the scarlet cross

messengers traveled far and wide
to Italy, Germany, England, and France
throughout the known world they traveled
and from land to land they would advance
their call was loud, the message clear
to battle the Turks they needed men
peasants and noblemen heard the cry
and passed it on again and again

groups of soldiers led by leaders brave
marched off to the Holy Land
their leaders were brave and inspired by God
and for the offensive much had planned
striding out in their columns straight
they made a stirring and valiant sight
with banners upheld straight and high,
their armor polished and weapons bright

through forest, plain, and woodland vale
across grass-strewn moor and mountains tall
stopping only to eat and rest
then continuing on the road to Jerusalem's wall
they arrived at Nicaea; besieged it, and conquered
then after another victory great
traveled through the scorching desert sand
and prepared for battle at Antioch's gate

the siege of Antioch was long and hard;
some of the leaders went home in despair
but Raymond, Godfrey, and Bohemond inspired their men
to fight, and reap the rewards of victory there
with the help of an ally inside the city
they opened the gates, and entered in a flood
though they swarmed through the streets fighting the Turks
they tried to save civilians' innocent blood

Antioch was taken, but before the men could rejoice
bad news came from the sentries that eve
another Turkish force had arrived as relief
and until they retook the city they would not leave
the conditions looked grim; it seemed as if
the Christians would fall, but such was not to be
Bohemond called the the army forth
and against the Turks won a smashing victory

then the last stage of the war began
an arduous march to Jerusalem
but when they arrived in sight of the city
they fell on their knees like any pilgrim
giving thanks to God for bringing them thus far
they appealed, in the coming battle, his aid
then enveloped the city with a ring of soldiers
and settled down for the lasting siege, unafraid

Jerusalem's siege seemed for days without end
the desert was scorched, and the sun boiling down
seared the men's flesh, and parched their throats;
for water they dug holes into the ground
after a while one of the priests declared
he'd seen a vision of the holy bishop;
who asked that the soldiers fast and walk
barefoot 'round the city, pleading for God's help

then the men rose, their vigor renewed,
and with love for the holy man of God
who asked from them these simple acts
followed and accomplished what he had told
then they launched the final assault
swords clashed, and arrows flew thick and fast
the men charged the walls of Jerusalem
and fought the Turks with courage amassed

Godfrey led the charge from a siege tower
and after a wooden beam did crack
he held it, and with supernatural power
supported the structure beneath his back
when his men saw their valiant leader
staggering under the weight of the wood
they saw in him Our Blessed Lord
carrying the cross, and battling for the good

they rallied, and with a spirited charge
swept o'er the walls in a storm of men
and flung open the gates of Jerusalem
to unite the Holy Lands again
they fought the Turks throughout the city
and after the Christian army prevailed
the Turks were routed in fear and fled
and to Jerusalem freedom was availed

thus the battle was ended, and the sun shone bright
Jerusalem was taken from the Turks by force
the roads lay free from the tyrant's grasp
and the Knights of the Cross stood victorious
their leaders were offered the crown of the city
but they refused with humility bereft of pride
“We will not wear a crown of gold
when a ring of thorns crowned the Crucified.”

the Holy Lands were free for all
and pilgrims traveled as they were wont to go
thanks to the efforts of the Christian army
Jerusalem was freed from the foe
these men we praise with tales of laud
brave Knights they were, who did emboss
their armor and shields with the sign of Christ
Crusaders; Knights of the Scarlet Cross!

The story goes on, and ends not here
but spins through the threads of eternity
Knights of the Cross, continue to fight
in this world, for Our Lord's victory!

[blondie2012]

That was beautiful! I am awed! You are one amazing writer!

[sportsgirl]

Oh. My. Goodness. That was incredible! Great job!

[St.Gemma]

That was an amazing poem. Thanks for posting it.

[wertquuuu500]

Thank you. The Crusaders are pretty cool.