All around the lake there lie
rippling fields of wheat and rye;
gone the island – stood so high
an island they called Camelot.
Above the lake, a skylark flies,
ever singing as it climbs –
a song that speaks of days gone by
and the distant land of Camelot.
If truth it be, no man can know
but speak, it does, of two who’d go
to an island in a boat they’d row –
to the pine-clad hills of Camelot.
From buttercups that grew around
he fashioned her a golden crown,
then, each to each, made solemn vow
as the sun rose high on Camelot.
And there they’d lie in meadows, green
and drift to sleep to share a dream
that he was king and she, his queen
of the fabled land of Camelot.
The couple slumbered long that day,
as evening fell they sped away;
storm clouds loomed above the lake
as they bade farewell to Camelot.
Thunder brewed in threatening skies;
a violent squall – their boat capsized,
and boy and girl were lost from sight
as the sun went down on Camelot.
The wizard, Merlin, there did dwell,
who promised he would break the spell
and end the curse, so stories tell,
the devil wrought on Camelot.
The water in the lake grew still;
cut through the mist, as darkness fell,
the mournful tolling of a bell
wafting down from Camelot.
Sunlight pierced a silken shroud –
dawn’s first light melts morning cloud,
a pair of swans rise, heaven-bound,
from the lake that cradled Camelot.
And as they flew the waters climbed,
consuming Merlin’s castle, high,
who, from a hilltop said goodbye
to the magic, once was Camelot.
Comments
Beeme | February 23, 2011 - 00:07
I really like this, really beautiful imagery. Love this stanza;
'Sunlight pierced a silken shroud –
dawn’s first light melts morning cloud,
a pair of swans rise, heaven-bound,
from the lake that cradled Camelot.'
Beeme xx
Silver Spun Sand | February 23, 2011 - 07:52
Thanks, Beeme.
Quite a challenge, this one. So very pleased you enjoyed;-)
Tina xx
skinner_jennifer | February 23, 2011 - 10:22
Hi Tina,
I'm sure you knew I wouldn't beable to resist
reading this beautiful piece of work, your hard
work really paid off as far as I'm concerned.
A wonderful, magical world that world of Camelot,
that you have given the reader.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | February 23, 2011 - 11:10
Jenny - I wondered if you'd notice this;-)
I can never seem to get it quite right, although I have been working on it for about fifteen years, would you believe? The fact that you've enjoyed it means I must be there, I guess;-)
Many thanks for your words.
Tina
skinner_jennifer | February 23, 2011 - 12:45
Dear Tina,
you never realise how much hard work goes into
writing a special poem or prose, till you come
to do it yourself.
I think you are so gifted with your determination
and the effort that must go into each piece that
you write.
All I can say is keep doing what you are doing,
giving the reader pleasure along the way.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | February 23, 2011 - 13:09
Ta, Jenny;-)
fatboy74 | February 23, 2011 - 23:41
Have I read this before Tina? it's brilliantly done and I can see why it took you so long. What I find so amazing is the way you can effortlessly switch styles and maintain such very high standards. As always thanks for the read it was a real pleasure. :-)
Silver Spun Sand | February 24, 2011 - 09:09
Yes, fb...I think you may very well have;-) I first wrote this poem, many years ago now, and even painted a picture to go with it. The picture is now up in the loft, and the poem itself has been through many major changes.
I still couldn't get it quite right though and so, every few months, I would try again. This time, I might have just done it. But then, who knows?;-)
Many thanks for your words.
Tina
skinner_jennifer | February 7, 2012 - 19:42
Hi Tina,
I don't know why, but I keep coming back to this
poem. I have to say that it's the best poem I have
ever read in all my life, it's one that keeps
calling me back to read and read over and over, I
can't explain. It's touched something in me deep,
that I will never forget.
I know I've commented before, but just needed to
let you know once again how much it means to me.
Jenny.
Silver Spun Sand | February 7, 2012 - 21:53
Jenny - your words have meant the world to me, and I really do mean that. Strange...but this poem probably means more to me than anything else I've ever written too, and for many, many reasons. Thank you, again.
Tina