Avalon (reposted with apologies)

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TheAnonDavid
Member

since 2008-08-28

Posts 237
UK

0 posted 2009-05-29 03:24 PM

My apologies for removing this poem a trifle early. I have re-posted it rather than seem churlish.

(Narrator)
The rolling meadows, green and lush, remain
Untouched by time and sturdy oaks still stand
Where tiny acorns fell, then, fed by rain,
Spread deep their roots to dominate the land.

The scudding clouds still chase across the skies
And cast their shadows on the ground below;
The songbirds fill the air with raucous cries
While constant summer breezes gently blow.

But as the ripples on the spectral lake
Begin to whisper, breathless voices call
And ghostly apparitions start to wake
From dreamless sleeps, faint shadows on a wall.

(The Lady of the Lake)
You said you would answer, sweet Arthur my Lord,
When Avalon called you, called you and your sword.

(King Arthur)
Sweet Lady, I've slumbered these cent'ries and more
Since Merlin predicted he'd rise up once more.

(Narrator)
Full sixteen hundred years before, a dream
Was nurtured into life as chivalry was born
While darkness fled; and such a constant stream
Of goodness grew that evil was forsworn.

From ev'ry corner of the land they rode
To gather at the table of their king
And there they all agreed to keep a code
Of gallantry, whatever good or ill 'twould bring.

(Lady of the Lake)
Why tarry, Lord Arthur? Your kingdom awaits;
Ride onward and cast fortune's dice to the fates.

(King Arthur)
Fair maiden, I tell thee, I'll happily ride,
My sword in my sheath and my sage by my side.

(Lady of the Lake)
But Merlin still sleeps in his deep buried cave
I fear who so wakes him would be but a knave.

(Narrator)
King Arthur ruled a land where apples grew
And golden corn was plentiful for all;
Yet greater deeds there were still to pursue -
Far greater deeds as hist'ry would recall.

One peerless knight found heaven's greatest prize
And raised the grail that held the Saviour's blood;
But many fell and many would not rise,
And rotted in the unforgiving mud.

Beloved Guinevere he loved and lost
And oft was forced to fight against his friends
Then sadly sit and count the deadly cost
And weep aloud when none could make amends.

Yet Merlin stood beside him straight and true,
His guide, enchanter and his loyal friend
Until the day the man of magic knew
Their time together then had reached its end.

(The Lady of the Lake)
Lord Arthur, please hark to the words that I say
For Avalon needs you, please hasten, I pray.

(Narrator)
Old Merlin travelled far from human eyes
And lay upon the cavern's dusty floor
And there he promised he would only rise
When Avalon had need of him once more.

When Arthur spilled his blood on Camlann's field
And sent his mighty sword back to the lake
His body died, his spirit would not yield;
Yes Arthur died yet still he lies awake.

(King Arthur)
While Merlin lies sleeping I cannot return
For he is the foremost, my greatest concern.
The day will soon beckon with cries heard by all.
And Arthur and Merlin will answer that call

Kaoru

Member Elite

since 2003-06-07

Posts 3892
where the wild flowers grow

1 posted 2009-05-29 03:43 PM

"Beloved Guinevere he loved and lost
And oft was forced to fight against his friends
Then sadly sit and count the deadly cost
And weep aloud when none could make amends."

Beautifully done! Bravo!

I loved each and every bit of this, and it comes from one of my favorite tales. Thank you for reposting it!

BluesSerenade
Member Patricius

since 2001-10-23

Posts 10549
By the Seaside

2 posted 2009-05-29 04:51 PM

This is such a beautiful sweeping epic.
A delightful read on so many levels.

I am so pleased you reposted this.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean

since 2000-02-02

Posts 27738

3 posted 2009-05-29 05:07 PM

awwwwwwww....

If I had written such a charming poem, I would have been disappointed if no one let me know they'd read it too.

I loved your imagery, most particularly, your "scudding clouds"--for some reason, that visual really stayed with me.

And I'm chuckling a wee bit. Churly? Methinks I'm the queen of "churly" and that's when I'm having a good day.

Thank you for putting this back up. Once upon a time I tried to read everybody's work, but I'm afraid that the membership has grown so much that I can't keep up. And I agree, it's totally my loss.

I'll be looking forward to reading you again in the future.

Bill Charles
Member Patricius

since 2000-07-11

Posts 10619
highways, & byways, for now

4 posted 2009-05-29 05:09 PM

TheAnonDavid - nicely written, bravo...

BC

Marchmadness
Member Rara Avis

since 2007-09-16

Posts 9271
So. El Monte, California

5 posted 2009-05-30 01:54 AM

I love the tales of Avalon and King Arthur.
you did a fine job here. So glad you reposted it.
Ida

TheAnonDavid
Member

since 2008-08-28

Posts 237
UK

6 posted 2009-05-30 05:49 AM

Thanks to everyone for their kindness in indulging me while I have been writing about one of my own personal favourite stories.

Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Dylan Thomas
http://stores.lulu.com/davidmm

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