Ode To Richard - Joan Raleigh

I’d like a serious word
about Richard the Third,
who was badly misunderstood,
and really was good.

While up in the White Tower
and with the best of his power
he took care of the boys,
(gave them comfort and toys).

Although much maligned,
(he looked oddly aligned),
there was no need to wisecrack
and call him Dick Crookback!

He earned noble renown
and secured England’s crown,
that he tried to hang onto
but at Bosworth got slew!

In a car-park in Leicester
A few hundred years later,
they said his back had a curve
from the neck with a swerve.

But what else could you expect -
him having a slight defect?
Flaws any could foresee
under tarmac and a JCB.

And as for the histories ....
Just one of life’s mysteries?

Joan Raleigh