By Word of Deed

The leaves they fell like golden stars,

some shone as suns, others red as Mars.

A gentle wind blew them around,

as trees, with sighs, released their crowns.

Quiet the world was not that day,

for people talked and laughing gay

made-merry on the streets of the towne ,

for ‘twas the King’s festival thrown.

Bows of fiddles danced on strings,

as flute and lyre did sweetly sing.

The feet of many flew ov’r the earth,

as Lord and Lady danced with mirth.

Through this she walked, woman fair,

with braids adorning sun-stained hair.

Clad in garbs of brown and green ,

fit for low birth and traveling.

Upon her breast lay silver-star,

a light from generations far

of crystal white, strong as steel ,

with power over wounds to heal.

A dagger also hung at her side.

Knight’s emblem, engraved with pride

of Camelot and traitor strong;

Sir Lancelot, fair woman won.

With leisure did she wander ‘round,

moving freely about the towne.

For truly was she free that day,

debt and duty she need not pay.

No thought of love was brought to mind,

walking she laughed, her smiled shined

on knight’s jousting in King’s name

who bravely sought honor and fame.

Then lo! he looked on her that day,

light in his eyes as clear as rays

of sun that shines on morning sea,

with a smile that caused her heart to sing.

Her steps faltered, he turned away.

One gentle look, her heart did stray,

for never to a man like him

would her attention’s been given.

Clothed was he in red and gold,

of finest raiment to behold.

Accompanied by armored guard ,

pride and dignity worn as garb.

A sword of steel strapped to his side,

battle-born, though gentle and kind.

Arrayed upon his golden hair

was princely crown of gems so rare.

Folly to dwell on moments gone.,

his favor did she deem foregone

and sought again heart’s loyalty,

for ne’er would she be royalty.

On blew the wind, leaves turned around ,

the crowds mingled ‘bout the towne.

Whiffs of bread and mead in air;

the wind soft kisses through her hair.

Yet oft’ command of gaze she lost

though she considered her love dross.

When to him her eyes did wander,

her gaze he met with smile stronger.

Soft red as sky does turn to night,

her fair cheeks turned rosy bright.

Longed he to make affections known;

to win her heart yet keep his throne.

As hope grew, joy was devoured

and shadow fell about that hour.

Her freedom on that day alone ,

for debts incurred she must atone.

Her heart was not to him worthless ,

and with kind look to give her courage,

her firm resole he nigh upset ;

reaching to her, hand outstretched.

To his invite she did not heed

and forward on walked did she.

Though from her face smile she bid,

regret inside was painfully hid.

Duty-bound, yet not to him ,

she must fulfill future grim.

Ever repaying what she owed,

for pledged was she to longest road.

Her slight refused he to judge

for royal duty he must not grudge.

By crest of honor and sword of might ,

for land and country, he must fight.

Head held high, she denied her tears

and so the days turned into years.

O’er hill and field though Albion,

fulfilling faith, love abandoned.

His face she never saw again,

yet heart did smile when thought on him.

Maiden fair, by fate alone ;

traveling long o’er rock and stone.

By word of deed both brought renown;

her to master, him to crown.

King’s land ascended into lore.

Honor upheld, and duty bore.