Monday 27 June 2016

The Brussels Ommegang

"Ommegang" means walkabout;
When religious pageants wielded clout
Under the yoke of Catholic Spain
When Charles V was old and lame.

The year was 1549
Young Philip, soon second of his line
Watched a spectacular display
As the city guilds in fine array

Filed past with banners flying high
With the 'bon peuple' standing by
The religious orders swelled the ranks
The wealth of Brussels then gave thanks

To a treasured relic in its shrine
And dove of peace – a precious sign;
All this the Emperor showed his son
A gentle transfer had begun...

Despite displays of jewels and gold
Brussels, Philip thought, was cold
He plumped for sun in torrid Spain;
In fact, he rarely came again.

But the pageant lives on, never fear
Thousands watch it every year
Re-enactment on a July night
Of 16th century Brussels might!

(c) Poet in the woods 2016

2018 dates: 4th and 6th July
2019 dates: 26th and 29th June
2020-21 - not happening due to Corona virus



2 comments:

  1. WOW your just way too amazing Sarah.. lol ... i now know about the Ommegang lol fab you lus as always !!!! x

    ReplyDelete