Another Sue Vincent’s #Thursday photo prompt: Man of Honour #writephoto #Villanelle

I had never been to St. julians in Bardington. It was a red sandstone parish church with what appeared to be a tower which may have dated from Norman times. I entered the church and was immediately struck by the light streaming through the stained glass windows on all sides. Beside the nave there was a set of black railings with gold fluting. Behind which a large marble tomb stood in it’s own chapel. A freshly picked rose, it’s red in sharp contrast to the white stone, was placed on the finely carved chest. A piece of paper rested on the stone. Intrigued, I passed through the bars to get a closer look. I picked up the paper and read the words finely written in black. There was no clue who had left the words so carefully laid out. They read;

My duty to protect this knight

all worldly woes no more to bear

reclining in his endless night.

A man of honour in God’s sight

with faithful friends and wife so fair,

my duty to protect this knight.

Death hides his fearful face in flight

for shame at causing such despair,

reclining in his endless night.

A bloom of beauty clasping tight

beneath his gentle marble stare,

my duty to protect this knight,

whose life was spent in God’s good fight

both piety and courage rare,

reclining in his endless night.

We pray he sits in heaven bright

his soul released from earthly care

my duty to protect this knight

reclining in his endless night.