The Caress at the Affable Incline

(Assignment: A poem to include the words: caress, affable, incline)

by

U . (Rick) Woelcke

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The medieval chapel a beacon of hope
    Was perched on top of a rocky incline.
     Old Father John took confessions there
          But only on week days from five to nine.
               A weary knight swore under his breath
          The clock struck 8:30 and tired was Bess
     As he struggled up that cursed incline,
Filled with guilt and sweet, red wine.
Old Bess his trusty, faithful mare
Neighed in complete disgust.
If she'd been given a human voice
Boy, would she have cussed!
The setting sun showed 9:04
When the angry warrior pounded
                                    the door.
"Open! I need to make confession
For a regrettable transgression."
The sanctuary remained closed.
Father John peeked through a hole,
An affable smile on his wrinkled face:
"I closed her up for the night, poor soul."
The warrior swore and shouted!
Old Bess shook her mane and pouted.
But Father John held firm,
And for once his voice was stern:
"I don't fancy your foul language
No need to be so coarse.
I suggest you stay
For the night, and
While you wait
Caress your
Horse."

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