Historical Graffiti

Black days here duelling meant a particular

Street was required in a particular

City or it wasn’t legal. One could

Refuse but surely the challenge would

Not surcease. If one still refused — Maltese law

Required — a forty-five day “amende”

At St John’s Cathedral & “accouchement”

To dungeons. You may now see a city.

Back — duelling-law was thought of as sane –

If ordered to do so by woman,

Priest Or knight. Take heart: the law also

Required the survivor paint, on wall

Opposite, a note to the fallen. To

My mind two painted en noir remain.