The Lantern Swinging in Horsmonden
A silhouette of branches changes as I go
the lamp of moon seems to move behind
as if a lanterns carried cross the fields
reasons for it crowd my mind
At first the light is comforting
proof against the pressing dark
a Parson or a farmer visits flocks
courting lovers,haystack larks
But then there is a bridles clink
cold fingers up my neck cause pain
as I recall
William Fairall
swinging
in Gibbet Lane
Smugglers were a usual thing
The Hawkhurst Gang well known
but the viciousness they did
turns a heart to stone
