Knights of the nocturnal moon

Knights of the nocturnal moon

Two versions of four verse poem, one draft and the other final. First has handwritten corrections and other annotation. Second is final version.

One-page printed document with handwritten notation

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SReidK473650v20003, SReidK473650v20009

KNIGHTS OF THE NOCTURNAL MOON

Gentleman of the shade
Monarchs of the moon
Men of mists and magic
[deleted] Nemesis [/deleted] [inserted] Nyads? [/inserted] with night in tune

Outriding realms of space
In combat on the dusky air
Outriding clouds and stars
[deleted] In cirrus spheres so fair [/deleted] [inserted] To do & die & Dare [/inserted]

Consorts of the wind
Adored knights of fate
Encloaked in velvet night
To storm at heavens own gate

Defying death on the dusky air
Monarchs of the moon
Bravest British Bomber boys
Nations youth [inserted] precious song [/inserted] who died [deleted] so [/deleted] [inserted] Too [/inserted] soon
[deleted word] [inserted] Its greatest [/inserted]

[inserted] Controlling their fears [/inserted]

[inserted] Monarchs of the sky
Men of mists & [deleted] might [/deleted] mighty
[deleted] Defying [deleted] Controlling Nerves & Fear
Longing to live [deleted] But had to die [/deleted]

Defying

controlling their kites
Going on Ops Night after night
No respite for those who fly
[deleted] Destroying Death in evil sky [/deleted]
Defying [deleted] death beneath [/deleted] torture & [indecipherable word]
death [deleted][indecipherable word][/deleted] above [deleted] sky [/deleted]
in [deleted] a [/deleted] hostile [deleted] lands [/deleted] sky.
To bring peace and liberty
To Europe held in [indecipherable word]
[deleted] Nose [/deleted]
Their sacrifice to set other nations free
As all around death lurks & maimes [sic]
As they sacrifice their lives
To make nations free.

[Page Break]

KNIGHTS OF THE NOCTURNAL MOON

Gentleman of the shade
Monarchs of the moon
Men of mists and magic
Nemesis with night in tune

Outriding realms of space
In combat on the dusky air
Outriding clouds and stars
In cirrus spheres so fair.

Consorts of the wind
Adored knights of fate
Encloaked in velvet night
To storm at heavens own gate

Defying death on the dusky air
Monarchs of the moon
Bravest British Bomber boys
Nations youths - - - - - - who died so soon