Bethune Re-visited
On reflection the
Magnificently covert
Though much
Anticipated and
Gentle fall of
La petit ville Bethune
Several months
Before her more heavily
Châteaued counterparts
Was no big deal and
Now means nothing
In retrospect
Having offered up
Both flanks and front
She was merely
Taken from behind
On three or four
Occasions though
Only briefly occupied
Each time
Today wild flowers
Grow and cattle feed
Few mortared bricks
Remain
To be fair though
A half erected
Cenotaph
Is surely not enough
To justify or to
Remind us all
Of her once
False innocence
Nor her beauty
Pain and shame