Poetry: Prompt - a sprig of heather

A Sprig of Heather

A sprig of heather, midnight found

A leveret plucked from frozen ground

A blackberry crop from wildered while

A shared treat given for a shared smile

A kiss stolen from Bessie’s lips

And a heart held by her fingertips

A stolen moment, lightning fast

A tender embrace in hidden grass

A sideward glance, the hidden knife

A jealous cut to the sinews of life

A condemnation on a woman’s soul

A blazing hate fed by priestly coal

A metal chain; a test of water;

Dragged through trial as Satan’s daughter

A town crowd gathered, whispering prayer

A rhyme to tell the children to beware

A beaten woman in once bright rags

A smile even through the gag

None ever willing to understand;

An unkind god in an unkind land

A breath for a life lived without shame,

And a sprig of heather, now aflame.