King Canute

By Kieran

 Time and Tide wait for no Man

 

Original loose watercolor and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, setting right a common misunderstanding that the 11th century King Canute was arrogant enough to stop the tide, while all along he was humble enough to realize his limitations



In an era of vainglorious leaders, one would do well to recall,
The wise King Canute of England, Denmark, Norway and all.

Sycophantic followers fawned over his brilliant leadership,
But wise King Canute knew that God was behind his stewardship!

His groveling lackeys said even the sea would obey his word.
King Canute was humble enough to know that it was absurd.

He sat on the shore commanding the tide to cease!
To the court’s dismay, it kept coming, but Canute it did please.
 

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