Poetry by Aviel

   
Love’s Victory


  Hidden Behind my castle walls, 
  I failed to hear Life’s sweet calls.
  Within this structure of brick and stone
  I’d bide my time, all alone.

  Then one day came a siege so strong. 
  The challenge I’d waited for all along.
  A warrior maid both fierce and fair. 
  Her skill and beauty, beyond compare.

  In silent prayer I bent and kneeled, 
  As she threw her gauntlet upon the field.
  With armor donned and weapons drawn,
  I met this lady on the field at dawn.

  To my surprise, she dropped her lance 
  And inquired that I might join her in dance.
  We celebrated long into the night
  Enjoying our time in this quiet respite.

  To this day, how, I still don’t know
  She won without striking a single blow.
  Constance, by name now shares my life.
  And very soon will become my wife.

The Dragon’s Lair

Again it seems my love’s departed. Alone I sit, broken hearted. Honing my sword, to dull once more When, once again, I settle a score. To shield this ego so fine and frail, My armor is poured from a bottle of ale For a fool am I, beyond compare. Who else would enter a Dragon’s Lair? The beast within is large and fierce Scales so hard, no lance could piece. Breathing flames and clawing stone, Always there and always alone. Reflecting on this as I did wander, The virtues we shared, I began to ponder. Not so different, the wyrm and I. Who am I to say this drake should die? The next corner I rounded took me face to face With the lord of the reptilian race. I told him why I’d entered his cave And of our similarities, I did rave. His laugh, so loud, shook distant peaks, Drowning out all of my terrified shrieks. With burning clothes and smoldering hair I fled screaming from the Dragon’s Lair. These words, however, haunt me everyday, When in response I heard him say “It’s our place in life to fight and die, against each other before earth and sky.” “But you intrigue me, I must admit With your ramblings and your wit. I’ll let you live but before you go I’ll torch you a little, just for show.” “When next you enter, we’ll again be foes Who will win, God only knows.” When my hair’s grown back, full and fair, Maybe I’ll return to the Dragon’s Lair. Though all he said was quite certain, What I remember most after all the hurtin’ Was the respect he gave to one so meek Who rambled on with tongue in cheek. Although I learned a lot from him, I’ll not go back for reward or whim. He gave me my life, I’ll grant him his too. I’ll always respect him, whatever I do. But for now, I’ll accept my life And settle down with a lovely wife. Raise a food crop, make an heir. And teach him the legends of the Dragon’s Lair.

Two Old Men

By chance, two old men met one day, as each of them was on his way. “If you’d care to join me, we could talk. Let me tell you ‘bout my grand kids as we walk.” “That sounds fine. I’ve got some too. When you’re done, I’ll tell you.” They conversed and chatted as time went by. To top his last story the other would try. With tenderness I showed them my love. I’d guide them along with a gentle shove. And help them when they needed my aid.” Said the first as they strolled through the shade. “I showed them my love with trinkets or jests. And told them I love each one as the rest. I didn’t have much, but I gave from the heart.” Said the other as they readied to part. Their road had forked, one high, one low. They said their goodbyes and prepared to go. “There’s just one thing I’d like to ask you. You’re their other Grandpa, Aren’t you?” They’d both realized this along their way. With a tear in his eye, what could he say? Both were as different as any could be But both showed a love of their family. St. Pete, seeing this, went to them. He caught them with a slight “ahem”. “Come with me.” He told the two. “I’ve got something for you to do.” He led them to the pearly gate. Bade them “Enter and learn your fate.” Gave them guardianship, halo and wings, To watch over their family in all things. Now they sit and talk all day Of the problems they solved in their own way. For their family, they’ll always be The guardian angels watching over me.

The Death of the Unicorn

The Unicorn is a solitary beast Shy and wary to say the least Accustomed to a life of leisure Striving to avoid a hostile seizure One day to his private glade Comes a fair and lovely maid. She tempts and wins his heart so pure Promises her love will endure They spend some years in their happy home But soon the maid begins to roam. She meets a huntsman and tells her tale On his shoulder she begins to wail The huntsman sees this maid is fair And tells her “please, do not despair.” In the unicorn he sees his gain. Tells the maid he’ll ease her pain He lays his plan to capture his prize As the unicorn lays upon her thighs And while he slumbers on her lap The huntsman will come and close the trap The day comes when she’s had enough Simply telling her mate would be too tough. She strokes his head and as he sleeps Upon them now the huntsman creeps His armor is Infidelity, Adultery is his sword His net is made deceitfulness, found in every word Too late, the unicorn sees the threat His maid would be the death of him yet A fatal blow, the huntsman lands Her love’s lifeblood runs through her hands On their new love they had sworn To bring the Death of the Unicorn

Dalton

Stoic and menacing, in his lair, he sits. Mean and angry, the image persists Men come in snarling and go out shaking. Women and children, in fear, leave quaking. On the phone he’s quite brutal. One on one, he’s far worse! Give him a problem, his temper will burst. Do something stupid or blatantly wrong, Not sure about you, but I’d rather face Kong! Knows all that there is about cars and rigs. Could milk the cows and slaughter the pigs. He’s wise beyond his tender years. And a toothy grin stretches to his ears. But to know him for what he truly be, You have to watch him quite intently. Subtle hints will slip out and show That there is a person, you’d like to know. He’s Cantankerous and hostile, grouchy and gruff. He’ll let you know that he’s had enough! But lend him a hand, offer a drink, And a different side, you’ll see I think. He’ll help you out with a hint or a loan, Come to your aid, at a call to his phone. A softy is he, all deep down inside. But if you tell, you’ll likely be fried At home in the city as well as the wood He’d be out hunting deer, if only he could. The doc said no because of his heart. So now he’s up front, selling each part.

Mrs. T

There was an old lady that worked in our yard And for her, each day, I’d make incredibly hard I’d torture this woman in thought, word and deed And upon her frustration I’d hungrily feed. I’d grumble at her arrival, her departure I’d rush Comments were made just to see her face flush. Her stickies, elastics and clips, I would hide. And thru it all she’d laugh till she cried. But no matter what else I held to rule one, It was always in fun and no harm was done. On rare occasions she’d give it right back, A gleam in her eye as she went on the attack. As time went on, our relationship did thrive. So many times to her house I would drive. Out of the office we’d talk of all things. Weather, cars, family, whatever life brings. She was always a lady of grace and of style who went thru each day wearing a smile. She’d hobble in with Albee in tow How she touched us, each one, she’ll never know Above all else she was always my friend, With a word of advice or an ear to lend. She always had room for one more in her heart. In my life, I’m proud she was such a huge part.

Day at the Faire

Faire is the place ye’ll find me heart With so much to see, Oh where to start? Through my words, yer guide I’ll be To the Renaissance Faire where ye’ll see. Dressed in garb, and armed to the hilt, Ladies in bodices and men in a kilt. Pirates, beggars, priests and knights. Women in leather, Men in tights! Distractions abound as you stroll through the shire. Gypsies, faeries, armed guards for hire. Trinkets and jewels to please the fair maid. Armorers and clothiers, all plying their trade. For wee folk, a section for games and fun. Puppet shows, mysteries and stories in the sun. Marshmellow Crossbows and juggling sticks Try Smite the knight, just for kicks! The shows ye’ll see are sure to be pleasing Singing and dancing and hypnotic teasing Duelists, magicians, beggars in dirt Sheriffs, rogues and wenches who flirt. The realm offers the finest for your feast No matter your taste, fish, fowl or beast. Deserts and drinks, your favorite treats Kettlecorn, soups and exotic meats. Finally, I tell you what cannot be missed Go find a seat where you can at the list. Testing their skill with a lance on a horse With swords and squires, the knights joust, of course So my story has come to an end Come see the shows, buy garb, make a friend! Now in closing these words this bard shares Put aside your confusion and get to the Faires!