Joan of Arc (Born 1412 — Died 1431)

Douglas Frenette

This morning I woke to visions of fire and steel. These nightmares come often, because I have seen my beloved France eaten away in years of war. I wandered through camp ignoring the wounds and weariness of every soldier under my command. It was then that I first saw the girl. Her voice rang with conviction and we drank in her every word. She told us her name was Joan. She told us she was a peasant. She did not know how to ride or fight, but she told us she intended to rescue France. The darkness lifted from the men’s souls. She asked to be escorted to the Chateau of the Dauphin. Death by now is an old companion but for Joan we will visit again.


(Douglas Frenette, is a 5th Grade student at Learning Skills Academy in Rye.)



June, 2009