Poetry About Guy Fawkes

Barrels waited in darkness beneath the House of Lords. A lantern found the man before the fuse found flame. History remembers failure with an annual fire. Children watch an effigy brighten the November cold. Later, a painted mask travels into other rebellions. One face can outlive the purpose that first gave it meaning.

A lantern found the man before the fuse found flame. Public memory remakes a conspirator for each generation. Children watch an effigy brighten the November cold. Even guy Fawkes keeps more than one meaning in view. Symbols wander far beyond their original night.

Barrels waited in darkness beneath the House of Lords. Time carries the image beyond its first appearance. History remembers failure with an annual fire. Later, a painted mask travels into other rebellions. Symbols wander far beyond their original night. One face can outlive the purpose that first gave it meaning.