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Open Poetry #41
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"The Sage" (A Fable)
| Open Poetry #41 |
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"The Sage" (A Fable) |
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Arius Miura de Galdri Member
since 2007-07-04
Posts 90Michigan, USA 
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THE SAGE There lived a Sage, in days gone by Whose wisdom was renowned His insight was astounding And none better could be found A King, one day, had heard it said That if something was lost One merely had to ask the Sage And pay an unsaid cost A jewel was had, by this fair King Passed down from times of old More valuable was it, to he Than all his kingdom’s gold This gem, ‘twas said, had once adorned The halls of Heaven itself It’s beauty shone unparalleled Upon the King’s own shelf Yet one dark moonless, wicked night A shadow overcame The shining palace of the King An evil with no name It stole in silently to where The royal gem was laid And took it from its hallowed perch But not a sound it made A search, of course, had turned up naught The King, in sorrow, cried: “This crime shan’t go unpunished, may The thief be caught and tried!” Yet weeks passed by, and turned to months And still the jewel was lost The King then went to see the Sage Prepared for any cost “I’ll give you gold and diamonds,” Declared the desperate King “You’ll have whatever you desire, Just name it, anything.” “This thing you seek,” inquired the Sage, “Is costly, rare, unique? A jewel of some value Worth all to you, I’d think…” With sorrow laden heart, head bent The King made known his quest And silent was the ancient Sage, Despite the King’s distress “For you, good King, the cost I think Should seem no great affair, Return to me in three days time With seven maidens fair…” The King, of course, was stunned and pleased A bargain, to be sure! No gold, no gems, no diamonds Just seven maidens pure So as was asked by ancient Sage The King returned as told With seven lovely maidens young Adorned in gowns of gold “Here is your payment, wisest Sage,” The King told happily “Now tell me, man, where I may find My stolen property” “This gem you seek so ardently Requires more than these, Return to me in six days time With seven minstrels, please” At this the King, bewildered said “Of course, majestic Sage” And left without a single word To do as he was bade And as was asked, in six days time The wearied King returned With seven minstrels for the Sage In silver coats adorned “I see you have been diligent,” The wise man told the King “But still this isn’t pay enough To find your missing thing” The King was rightly baffled then And asked the man with rage “Have I not brought you what you wished You foolish, doddering Sage!?” “You knew the terms of service, King Before you sought me out Be gone with you, imprudent lord So full of greed and doubt!” A silence then descended on The breathless, livid men But finally the King did speak, “What’s your desire then?” “Your skepticism of me, King, Has greatly raised my fee The payment now must then reflect Your blatant doubt of me” The Sage went silent as he thought Upon what he should ask His brow was furrowed, eyes were dark His face a stony mask “In one month’s time, O noble King A gift will you bestow Upon my shabby countenance, A crown with gems aglow And with this crown, another prize I wish, if you desire To ever see your jewel again: Your realm do I require” The Sage’s eyes were burning then And fixed upon the King Who stood before him motionless With body trembling Yet deep inside, the King was torn Awash with jealous greed To have what had been stolen by A nameless, evil fiend The greed-enamored King, they say, Was overtaken then By subtle spell of avarice That lies within all men The King’s whole sickly, wicked heart Had now one single cause: To see his gem returned to him Despite the Sage’s cost “This gift, O Sage, will be bestowed If you regain for me My precious gem in ten days time A King then will you be” No more was said by desperate King Who turned away and fled And left the Sage alone, unseen As sun set overhead As twilight fell and stars awoke The ancient Sage returned Into the comfort of his hut Where hearty fire burned He paused a moment, listening To evening’s mellow song Before withdrawing from a box An object sought for long The darkness of the wise man’s hut Did nothing to obscure The brilliant beauty of the gem Which shone with luster pure “How easily you were deceived O vain and foolish King! ‘Twas I who stole in carefully And took your precious thing!” The gem was then replaced and hid To guard from prying eyes The sacred jewel of the King, His priceless, precious prize. “I pray, good King,” muttered the Sage, “That reason will win out, And you will see the evil of This curse of jealous doubt… For if you don’t, I am afraid That all will come to naught And you, O King, will surely find That in a web you’re caught…” In ten days time, as was agreed, The King returned once more With sunken eyes and unkempt hair, And threadbare clothes he wore. “O wisest Sage,” the King implored, “I wonder if you’ve found A certain prize that I have sought If you wish to be crowned…” Without another word, the King Revealed the man’s reward: A shining crown of jewels and gold With matching, mighty sword “Here, O Sage,” the King declared, “Is what you so desire: A golden crown and with it comes A Kingdom to acquire.” “And as you asked,” the Sage replied, “I have attained your prize, But you, O King, must now decide If such a trade is wise.” “Another riddle, lying Sage? I’ve done all you’ve required, I brought you everything you asked, You’ll have what you desired!” “The choice is made, you foolish man,” The Sage said with disgust “And you will have your precious gem For which you’ll ever lust.” From deep within his haggard robes The ancient Sage revealed The priceless bauble of the King Which he had kept concealed “The deal is done, O former-King Whose realm is mine to rule, Be gone from here and ne’er return You narrow-minded fool But know, you dog, the truth of this: ‘Twas I who stole your gem To test your mettle and your heart To praise, but not condemn. For had you simply turned me down When I requested you To give to me your loyal folk I’d known your heart was true. But you were caught in webs too thick Of jealousy and greed: You put a simple stone above Your faithful people’s needs.” “My people are as nothing, Sage Compared to this great stone. Its light and beauty are unmatched, And meant for me alone.” “You foolish man,” the Sage spoke out “I would have made of you The greatest King this world had known If you had chosen true. You’ve failed my test, disgraceful wretch Be gone from here, you fool This place is no more yours to own, To sacrifice and rule.” Without a word, the Sage then cast The brightly burning jewel Upon the ground before the King Whose eyes were wide and cruel. And it is said, that after this The former-King did flee And roamed the land, alone, unloved In sorrow and pity Yet not long after, so they say, The wicked man was caught, And killed by roving bandits who Desired what he’d sought The gem, they stole, and it is said That with it came a curse: That whosoever held it dear Would be in greed immersed The Sage’s fate, or so I’ve heard Has never been revealed, But I believe he lives on still, In secrecy concealed. Perhaps the ancient wise man waits To make his presence known Until another ruler comes To love the things he owns More than his people or his land, To place his “gem” above The welfare of the common man, Devoid of joy and love. Said ruler someday then will find His precious “jewel” lost And then the Sage will come to help, But for an unsaid cost… AMdG "My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--it gives a lovely light!" -Edna St. Vincent Millay |
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| © Copyright 2007 Timothy Mitchal Nicholas - All Rights Reserved | |||
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ThisDiamond Member Rara Avis
since 2002-02-22
Posts 9353Michigan, USA |
Exceptional write. You are quite talented.  |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
This a delight to read. It flowed so well I was hoping that it wouldn't end. And maybe it won't?  Beautifully written, and I'm in a fable sorta mood. thank you I'll be looking for more from your pen. |
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Arius Miura de Galdri Member
since 2007-07-04
Posts 90Michigan, USA |
Thanks, both of you! I appreciate your comments, and I appreciate the fact that you took the time to read the whole thing! AMdG "My candle burns at both ends; it will not last the night; but ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--it gives a lovely light!" -Edna St. Vincent Millay |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Are you kidding? I've been told my poems were too long, and I understood that meant I got tedious. This is not the case here. You made me forget I was reading. I enjoyed this tremendously. |
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aziza Member Elite
since 2006-07-09
Posts 2995Lumpy Oatmeal makes me Crazy! |
Oh man, I love this! What a wonderful story! Your talent is amazing and the poem is breathtaking. Thank you. Alison |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
A lovely fable this was indeed, and a lesson we could all stand to learn. Each of us at one time or another I am sure have had our own "jewel." I sure could picture the graphics for this in my mind. I too am a fable kind of girl, and truly enjoyed this. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Arius~ What an absolutely captivating read~ You are a wonderful story teller for sure~ *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
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