cannon shot fire

arqios

 

upon a shot that lit the roof alight June 29, 1613

 

The cannon cracked—too loud for stagecraft's game, 
Its echo swallowed jest and breath alike; 
That spark, unmeant, leapt high to catch the flame, 
Where thatch stood dry as tinder, ripe to strike. 
The players froze mid-line, their throats gone tight, 
Eyes tilted up where straw betrayed its role. 
A murmur passed like weather through the night— 
Then chaos surged like fire without a soul.

The boards we loved gave way beneath our feet, 
The pit grew hot as panic took the floor. 
No speech could mask the gallows of that heat— 
Just ash and shouting pouring through the door.

The globe, she burned—but left a ghost behind, 
In every line we’d yet to speak or find.

 

 

 

 

  • Author: crypticbard (Pseudonym) (Offline Offline)
  • Published: June 30th, 2025 03:22
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 25
  • Users favorite of this poem: Cheeky Missy
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Comments +

Comments10

  • arqios

    A dramatisation in the form of Shakespearean sonnet that is somewhat theatrical exploring the events, implications, and anticipations of the June 30th, 1613, fire that destroys William Shakespeare’s beloved Globe Theatre during a performance of Henry VIII when cannon shots set fire to its thatched roof.

    • Cheeky Missy

      Way cool!!! Thank you so much for sharing!

    • sorenbarrett

      Very appropriate yesterday being the anniversary of the fire that burnt the Globe Shakespeare's theater. Well written in poetic form. Cheers

      • arqios

        Thanks Soren, I know it won’t impress WS himself but it was worth the effort and enjoyment🙏🏻🕊️

      • David Wakeling

        Quite a tragedy and quite a poem recording the event. That was when he said "Now is the Winter of our discontent". A thoughtful poem.I really enjoyed reading this compadre

        • arqios

          Thanks for sharing his quote, that rounded up and completed the post superbly🙏🏻🕊️

        • Poetic Licence

          Some say there are many ghosts, lovely write out of a tradegy, enjoyed the read

          • arqios

            Oh that would be a nice take for a separate poem on the incident! Quite the tragedy, indeed. Thanks friend🕊️🙏🏻

            • Poetic Licence

              You are very welcome

            • Doggerel Dave

              One cannot be everywhere at once - I'm always open to new history. Plese keep them up, mate - especially when you can relay them with your inspired poetic lines.

              • arqios

                Thanks mate. The interesting tidbits is what got me through history classes back in school days and uni. Else, the material would be dry and overly burdensome. I am quite happy to have historical angles in poems, that's been a little game over the years to mix it up a bit as well.

                • arqios

                  Thanks mate. The interesting tidbits is what got me through history classes back in school days and uni. Else, the material would be dry and overly burdensome. I am quite happy to have historical angles in poems, that's been a little game over the years to mix it up a bit as well.

                  • arqios

                    Thanks mate. The interesting tidbits is what got me through history classes back in school days and uni. Else, the material would be dry and overly burdensome. I am quite happy to have historical angles in poems, that's been a little game over the years to mix it up a bit as well.

                    • arqios

                      Thanks mate. The interesting tidbits is what got me through history classes back in school days and uni. Else, the material would be dry and overly burdensome. I am quite happy to have historical angles in poems, that's been a little game over the years to mix it up a bit as well.

                      • arqios

                        Keyboard got stuck lol

                      • Tristan Robert Lange

                        Ah, yes. Happy? Anniversary! A wonderful poem that captures it. 🌹👏

                        • arqios

                          Yeah, the jury might be out on that happiness thing, perhaps even hung. Perhaps something to look further into... like a cold case investigation... mmm...🕊️🙏🏻

                          • Tristan Robert Lange

                            LOL! Now, that sounds very intriguing!

                            • arqios

                              Could be… guess will have to wait and see 🕊️🙏🏻

                              • Tristan Robert Lange

                                Guess so!

                              • Cheeky Missy

                                Wow. Just WOW. Flowing with a delicious rhythm waltzing down the page chock-full of superb imagery, what a ghastly, haunting poignancy yawns! Fascinating and excellently rendered. Thank you for sharing.

                              • Tony36

                                Awesome write

                              • Kevin Hulme

                                Fine Poem on a Tragic event. If only the Original were still here.

                              • Goldfinch60

                                Fine words arqios. Shakespeare was rammed down my throat when I was at school!

                                Andy

                                • arqios

                                  Same here, Andy that's why it's taken me 50 odd years to find peace and a neutral ground on which to meet him properly. Shows you how much school can make or undo you. Thanks for sharing this with me. 🕊️🙏🏻



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