I once met a fine young man
Winning in his manners, honest in his speech
With ideals that defied the world
So broad in their scope, believing in the unseen
Clinging to faith, and when that wavered, to hope,
And when that wavered, to love, supreme among virtues
(Could he not have shared that love with me instead of another?)
We spoke of golden times and tales
Bright as illuminated script, revealing our thoughts
And I saw us both as “knight” and “lady”
Bound by a common purpose and worthy desire
To bring out the best in one another
In a fast-fading summer of youthful fancies
(Could that summer not have lasted and grown through all seasons?)
We talked of lost treasures
Sparkling ‘neath the sun, yet guarded by dragons
Things worth living and dying to win
Armed with the sword of passion and the shield of truth
I knew he would fight for them and gain them
And I hoped his lance might bear my silken favor
(Did another favor have to be tied atop that weapon?)
I hear his voice on the wind
Simple in its delivery, yet enchanting in its melody
And I feel a magic carried on the breeze
Because it brushed against his shoulder, as it brushed mine
Connecting us though we are far apart
And though he finds comfort in the company of another
(Could he not have found as much comfort in my own presence?)
If I should die while he is away
Fighting for the honor of his own chosen lady
Send him my heart in a casket of silver
Tied with a satin ribbon, redder than blood
Cast it in his path on the field where he will fight
Like the blessing I gave him when my eyes were dimming
(Could I not have used my final breath to kiss him instead?)
Avellina Balestri (aka Rosaria Marie) is one of the founding members and the Editor-in-Chief of The Fellowship of the King, a literary magazine with a strong Tolkienite influence (which, by the way, is open to submissions). She reads and writes extensively, and eagerly seeks out the deeper spiritual significance of popular fandoms such as The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Hunger Games. And yes, she does have a soft spot in her heart for classic Disney movies, The Princess Bride, and Merlin 😉 She is also a recording artist, singing traditional folk songs and her own compositions as well as playing the penny whistle and bodhran drum. She draws her inspiration from the Ultimate Love and Source of Creativity, and hopes to share that love and creativity with others.
- TAGS
- Arthurian fan-fiction
- Avellina Balestri
- Fan-fiction poetry
- hpbooks
