Typically, I don't care for poetry, but "The Highwayman" is one of a handful of poems that I do like.

I first heard it when my teacher read it out to my form group at the end of term in December 1988. We were the only class in school not allowed a Christmas party because the teacher didn't believe this should be allowed, so he read us a series of poems & stories, of which "The Highwayman" is the only one I remember. I liked it as it has a strong story and I've always had a fascination with highway robbers.

Not long after this, I saw the video to Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere", which is inspired by "The Highwayman" poem. I've watched this on and off over the years & listened to the song countless times, so I guess this has kept the poem in my memory all this time.

It never occurred to me to re-read it. The only reason I have now done so is because the poem was featured in Wallis Peel's non-fiction book on highwaymen and highwaywomen called "Stand and Deliver".

I remembered a lot of it, including the outcome, because the "Everywhere" video reveals it, but this didn't spoil anything. It's short and to the point with a vivid narrative and a supernatural twist. ( )

Brilliantly illustrated, but this one will have to sit on the shelf for a while, until the kids are a bit older, as it is rather gruesome. ( )

Oooh! The book arrived today. The illustrations are beautiful! The Highway Man is my father in law's FAVORITE poem. It's also a great ballad sung by Lorena McKennet. ( )

Veronica had this in class yesterday, so I thought it best to give it a read. Strong stuff, and inspiring. "Watch for me by moonlight".

Read online at Poem of the Week. ( )

Veronica had this in class yesterday, so I thought it best to give it a read. Strong stuff, and inspiring. "Watch for me by moonlight".

Read online at Poem of the Week. ( )