Flammeus Gladius

Carmina et Verba pro Discipulis Meis

Tag: Saint Michael

Chess Is 99 Percent Tactics

Chess Is 99 Percent Tactics

Robert E. Lee has not been named a saint–
except in Heaven, where no doubt he has.
A sympathetic figure now he ain’t:
He falls afoul of rap — and maybe jazz.
In old age, he revealed unguessed pizzazz.
Even his allies called him Granny Lee
at first — but dropped the appellation as
he smote with thunderbolts the enemy.
He lost at last — but kept his dignity.
Those who defeated him saw how he shone
with courage, principle, and sanctity.
Today’s weak souls declare he must atone.
I’ve heard — and I declare I doubt it not–
he and St. Michael now play chess a lot.

–Tom Riley

War in Heaven

War in Heaven

 

Hail, St. Michael! We know you make war
in the realms where our own martial score
is abysmal indeed.
Therefore, soldier, proceed
against foes that the angels abhor!

 

 

–Tom Riley