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“A Futile Gesture by Stewart Stafford Challenged to de Clair's Danse Macabre, Sebastian counted condemned steps, Thistle ranks awaiting duelling blood, A powdered farce of silk and steel. Spun, heart exposed to pistol shot, Sebastian faced his rival, Flintlock fired, A sharp crack counterpointed the gale, A crimson bloom on his foe’s ribcage. Honour preserved, whatever it meant - Slain Baron de Clair curtsied to tilled earth, The manservant held out his master's coat as if death were but a pause in the day. © 2025, Stewart Stafford. All rights reserved.” — Stewart Stafford
A Futile Gesture by Stewart Stafford
Challenged to de Clair's Danse Macabre,
Sebastian counted condemned steps,
Thistle ranks awaiting duelling blood,
A powdered farce of silk and steel.
Spun, heart exposed to pistol shot,
Sebastian faced his rival, Flintlock fired,
A sharp crack counterpointed the gale,
A crimson bloom on his foe’s ribcage.
Honour preserved, whatever it meant -
Slain Baron de Clair curtsied to tilled earth,
The manservant held out his master's coat
as if death were but a pause in the day.
© 2025, Stewart Stafford. All rights reserved.