By Scott Bailey © 2014

The invaders became the natives
And the empire grew and grew
Still one tongue ruled, another served
Ambitious chances were few

Once King extended the lands
Far across the sea
A golden time of riches
For those who were still free

In wars the riches squandered
By the lion and the snake
Rebellion loomed open the crown
As liberty crawled awake

So some power leaked away
Through the reluctant pen
That signed the future of the land
Hope was found again

For many years this house ruled
Until the roses clashed
From golden empire this dynasty
To war and bloodshed crashed

Originally published in A Spring of Dreams

By Scott Bailey © 2014

Rising up and crashing down
On the cold, dark northern sea
Through hail and thunder, rain and show
The dark behind we flee

Filled with fear and hunger
From their lands bereft
They gorged their souls on anger
Till nothing else was left

They crashed upon the naked shores
Like children of the thunder
And every wall they came across
The smashed and tore asunder

The burnt the words of holy men
Carved scars into the nation
But also left their words and ways
While singing their elation

Some stayed in the conquered lands
Creating yet more divides
Their echoes ring across the years
In our veins their blood resides

Originally published in A Spring of Dreams