The Lantern Swinging in Horsmonden

The Lantern Swinging in Horsmonden

A silhouette of branches changes as I go
the lamp of moon seems to move behind
as if a lanterns carried cross the fields
reasons for it crowd my mind

At first the light is comforting
proof against the pressing dark
a Parson or a farmer visits flocks
courting lovers,haystack larks

But then there is a bridles clink
cold fingers up my neck cause pain
as I recall
William Fairall
swinging
in Gibbet Lane

Smugglers were a usual thing
The Hawkhurst Gang well known
but the viciousness they did
turns a heart to stone