Mists of Autumn

Let me share with you a story
of a Kingdom by the sea,
Knights of old in all their glory
filled with pride and gallantry.

I have seen the moonlight glisten
on the lake at Camelot.
I have dined with the magician
and crossed swords with Lancelot.

Hear the story, dark and tragic,
of the King at Avalon
how the Kingdom lost it’s magic,
all the dreams of glory gone.

There came a King for all of Britain,
destined, he,  to claim the throne
pulled the sword as it was written
from the scabbard made of stone.

Gallant knights around a table
gathered as a bard did sing,
daring, battle-scarred and able
led by their forever King.

Guinevere, the fairest maiden
gave her hand but not her heart,
know this Queen was trouble laden,
never faithful from the start.

Mists of autumn never-ending
down the corridors of time.
mounted knights and horses blending
into beasts of war sublime.

Fields of battle, rolling thunder
bloody sword and piercing lance,
did he choose to die I wonder
was it destiny or chance?

Arthur, wounded, pale and bleeding
all his plans of battle failed,
with the force of life receding
did forsake the Holy Grail.

He was born to rule forever
but forever came apart
Cursed by love, in love forever,
love has stilled his broken heart.

At the lake while moonlight glistens,
Merlin ponders his mistake,
now he knows he should have listened
to the Lady of the Lake.

Gone for now or gone forever,
what will future poets sing?
For the wizard, deft and clever
named him “Once and future King”.