Highland cries
A ray of light breached the clouds
and blinded my sore eyes
an on turning I saw the tall
valiant figure of a Highland man.
Not perceived by his sight
and sneaking through gentle grass
I silently followed this fierce lad
and saw there was nothing he could lack.
The long red squared kilt was crossed
by a leather coated maze and spear
and drops of blood of unlucky redcoats
dripped through savagely wounded legs.
And the clouds dispersed and I saw;
behind the hill, a vast army of clans
had gathered in this year of Our Lord
seventeen hundred and forty five.
Highland warriors held their stand
urged by the call of Stuart’s House
to claim their rightful throne, once
bitterly torned clans joined in arms.
The Cadence to Arms, the final Albion
shout and the valiant first strike.
Rivers of redcoat blood now drown
the injured and deceased alike.
But Bonnie Prince Charles wished more
and seeked only his Kingdom come.
And spirits and ideals lefts aside
the Stuart House shows Scotland his back.
Alone, unprotected forsaken and betrayed
hundred of Highland warriors offer their lives
bleeding and hurting, crying for a cause,
an idea that, for a few, could be left to die.
(This was the first poem I ever wrote. Be merciful 
. Sorry to the Scots for any historical inaccuracy.)
Sean Paul Potterson
Cristina said,
August 4, 2010 at 7:44 pm
This is really quite amazing. I’m reading “The Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon about this very time in history. I think you captured a great deal of the flavor of the times. I particularly like the description of the the fierce lad and his wounds. So descriptive, nicely done. For a first poem, I think it shows someone who has a gift for language and poetry. Thank you for sharing it.
slpmartin said,
August 4, 2010 at 8:35 pm
Well I rather liked the way you put the poem together…and as Cristina note as one of your first attempts in the past this was just brilliant.
dustus said,
August 4, 2010 at 11:00 pm
You write a vivid scene through your poetry, and do so with wit. Cool scenes and descriptions through the stanzas. thanks! Like it very much.
brian said,
August 4, 2010 at 11:41 pm
i would have to agree as well for a first pass at poets…very nice. where i went to college we were the higlanders, our color tartan…scotlands a place i would love to visit…and i dont even mind the hagis…smiles. thanks for linking up with one shot
Consciousskillz said,
August 4, 2010 at 11:47 pm
I enjoyed the trip through the visions provided by your words.
buttercup600 said,
August 5, 2010 at 12:11 am
This is mindblowing if your first attempt…it tells me there is something happening and please share so much more with us. Very descriptive and loved the flow. Thanks so very much and keep writing!!!
pete marshall said,
August 5, 2010 at 9:23 am
have you read my chivalry & savagery series?? not trying to promote but you would understand why i loved this..i love bringing history into my poetry and this was a greta personal read…many thanks for sharing with One Shot…cheers pete
moondustwriter said,
August 5, 2010 at 2:36 pm
I agree that the depiction was excellent as far as historical accuracy i wouldnt know – mI think the poem is well done.
I have met such wonderful poets thru our One Shot site
I know we met first on Twitter
Happy Thursday my talented friend
Moon Smiles
Desert rose said,
August 5, 2010 at 7:39 pm
this poem added to my knowledge,thanks for the beautiful way of putting historical rhythm in it..loved it..:))
Patti said,
August 7, 2010 at 12:48 am
I could hear the bagpipes in the background. No need for apologies here. You took the reader with you to the highlands.
Josh Delcore swimming said,
September 28, 2010 at 2:41 pm
Very nice poem. You share a very good message by using your poetry. Keep it up.