The Maiden
Within circle of stones,
under bright moonlight.
A maiden doth sit,
all alone in the night.
Recalling the memories,
deep haunting lament,
of her lover, now lost;
their passion, now spent.
A warrior's life,
he lived every day;
upon bloodied battle field,
his flesh now decays.
She remembers his kisses,
such passion, so sweet;
and the quickening pace,
that her heart did beat.
One night he said,
"I must leave, my heart.
The King doth call me -
the war, it doth start".
She watched him leave,
ride into the sun -
with tears in her eyes,
her torment begun.
Dreams of her lover,
bloody and bruised -
horrific sights shown,
left her dazed and confused.
Each day she would mourn,
and cry for her love -
each night she would pray,
to the bright moon above.
"Guard my dear lover,
send him home to me -
with my heart and my soul
I will it to be!"
Yet, days turned to weeks,
he did not return -
then came the night,
when truth came to burn.
His steward approached,
crouched low on his steed,
his cape all a'flutter,
he came on with speed.
Her mouth went to ashes,
anguish filled her heart,
her thoughts now frenzied
all hope did depart.
"Where is my lover?
How doth he fare?
Tell me now, man!
Please, end my despair!"
Dismounting with grace,
he knelt by her side -
"I am sorry, my lady,
my master, hath died"
Each night she now comes,
to the circle of stones,
with her dagger in hand,
its hilt made of bone.
Mourning her love,
fresh blood now flows -
trying to numb the pain,
but, the ache only grows.
He stands by her side,
longing to touch -
feel the kiss of the woman,
he loves so much.
Then came the day,
tears ceased to flow -
she willed her body,
to finally let go.
She's now by his side,
wrapped in his embrace,
his touch and his kisses,
caress smiling face.
Ethereal forms waver,
dawn lights the sky -
two souls bound together,
they'll nevermore cry.
© Amanda Lancaster, 2006
|
