Empire

nce stood tall an empire
The greatest ever seen
Glory was its substance
Yet detractors would demean

A thousand years its promise
A time of peace untold
A future of prosperity
Yet it wasn't to unfold

In conquest was its shining
An incandescent glow
The light would shine forever
Yet it would not be so

Destiny betrayed her
Smite her down to die
Stricken by the traitors hand
But a few would wonder why

Crushed by the weight of history
Delayed by passing time
Her generous heart was broken
A few witnessed the crime

Some would bid her be avenged
But few would raise the blade
They stood by as darkness struck
And let the brightness fade

The work of England's heroes
A millennia of might
There were those who would resist
Yet they would lose the fight

By Adrian Shadbolt, 1988