“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.” DeathHonorTragedyHistoricalIronyFutilityDuelingDuelDuelsDuelling Author:Stewart Stafford