A journey I must make

Far from home, away from civilization

To the ends of the earth, leaving home behind

Embracing the future.

Fate cannot let me linger.

Set off, for mine will is strong.

So I leave the town far behind

To achieve destiny.

Man speaks of how I shall perish

Nay! Foolish souls!

The stars though they be silent

Care for every soul, dying or in despair.

My mind wanders off, as foot falls after the other

Times that have passed

Dreaming of what lies ahead.

Night follows in my footsteps

Passing along the road both I and Day,

Fair Maiden in Heaven!

She soon slumbers.

Night lays his cloak about her as she sleeps.

He is no enemy of mine

Indeed a close friend, caring

Aware of all mankind who desire to rest.

And oh the jolly times we have shared.

Dreamer is his brother

Caretaker of all dreams.

Hours go on, soon I awake.

Slumber and Dreamer take leave,

Hand in hand to find another soul

Who desires peace.

Clip-Clop! Clip-Clop!

Harken! Hear the horses neigh

Ways off from where I linger.

Travelers? Wanderers? Nomads?

Careful! Be wary!

Not all who cross your path be friendly.

Courtesy they may know not.

Taking leave of mine camp,

I wander. Hoping to see those who are near.

Clip-Clop! Clip-Clop!

Hoof beats grow ever louder.

Aha! Horns blow, Oh familiar sound!

Hounds bay, leaping through brush and thicket.

No No! My camp lays not far,

Not far from where those hounds leap.

Cloak billowing behind,

As I leap to my shelter.

Alas! I be too late.

The hounds arrive first. They sniff,

Snorting as they acquire a new scent.

Annoyance pricks at their masters,

A hunt put aside as distraction claims their dogs.

Seeing my camp they narrow their eyes unkindly.

"Whose settlement is thus? A thief? A spy?

Maybe one who desires to do no good?"

They murmur amongst themselves

A mystery untold.

"Oh nay, My good men!" a cry escapes my lips,

they tremble, in fear I shall be captured.

I speak quickly,

As to not dissuade them from their course

The tale is told in all honesty.

"You are new to this land."

Speaks an unpleasant fellow. He walks forth,

An scowl clouds his face,

An air about not welcoming.

"Be gone! Be gone,

While you have time enough to spend!"

He spits unkindly words, drawing fear to me.

No words can I make,

Astonished at this rudeness.

"Oh enough, Dark-haired Doran!"

Commands their leader, fair-haired

A circlet of silver resting on his brow.

Royalty he must be, I think.

"Be onward to the castle!

There's a good lad!

In evening time I shall speak with thee.

Be gone!

The hunt is done for you!"

A snarl Doran hands in turn,

A foul gift to the fair haired fellow.

Shivers runs through the ground in return.

Doth this man bring shadows?

Or perhaps he desires evil?

Whispers tell otherwise.

"Forgive his unkindness, gentle stranger,"

Speaketh once more the fair-haired one.

"Yes he is unpleasant, sir," I admit

"But I promise thee, intentions of spying,

Or any sorts of devilry are not mine."

"Splendid!" he smiles cheerfully. "Now come,

Oh gentle man to the castle. You seem weary,

For travel saps thy strength.

Good food and lodgings await you!

As they would any guest."

Once my belongings are gathered,

I ride with the gentle-folk to the keep

One so grand and welcoming.

A fresh-straw laden stall is a gift for my steed,

Fresh oats and apples, a treat for hard labor.

Servants, four in count, leadeth me to lodgings.

Sheets fresh, shelves dustless,

Curtains silken to the touch.

So I bathe, ridding a weary body of sweat

And the stink of travel.

Royal clothes they dress me in,

Soon appearing as if I resided here my whole life.

I take leave of the splendid room.

The prince sent an invitation.

Oh happy day!

What honor is this?

That I may dine with the prince?

Down stone stairs I descend,

Oh what other grandeur doth this place hold?

Be there more?

Archways beckon into halls holding tapestries.

"You look as of royalty, my good guest!"

The prince states kindly.

Reaching over he strokes a tapestry.

A maiden fair, rides upon a horse with a silver horn.

Eyes filled with laughter

A smile, pleasant as Spring.

"She is one I desire to marry. But alas!

Dreams are dreams."

A smile is all I can gift the prince,

As he shows a longing for love.

"Perhaps she is out there? Out in the world,

Awaiting thee, kind prince. Perhaps,

She bears a basket of flowers, or other gifts of finery."

"Perhaps..." The prince replied.

"But alas! Dreams are dreams."

Side by side, towards the dining hall we walk and talk.

Introductions are made,

Oh such lovely folks!

All accept the stranger, strange yes,

But ponder nothing of it.

Thrice a bell tongs.

'Tis time to dine!

Lead on to a room filled with lords and ladies,

Some of the court, some of royal family.

Oh mine stars!

Be this fantasy?

"My, my!" I exclaim. "I am simply a journeyman.

Humble and contrite.

Nothing have I done to dine with royalty!"

Hearty laughter rang through the room.

The prince clapped my shoulder.

"What a humble jolly fellow you are!"

"Indeed! How did you find him?"

Spoke an elder lady, donned with grey hair,

Still young in spirit.

Yet for her, summer turns to autumn swiftly.

As we were seated, the prince told all the tale.

Though a short turn, all listened rapt.

Soon, steaming platters born by servants, were brought,

Set upon the grand oak table and we ate.

Jokes were told, stories swapped. A good time

Was had by all in the room ,

Till Day was yet again passed by Night in their daily race.

Bidding good night to the prince and his royal family,

I returned to my lodgings.

The silken sheets beckoned, whispering for me to rest.

And so I fell into the arms of Dreamer, brother of night,

To rest once more.

I wrote this epic poem as a gift for my father on Fathers day. He loves this poem and has encouraged me to finish it so that it will reach shelves of book stores. This one is for you PAPA!!

Yes indeed the old style of writing epic poems has diminished over the years but I intend to bring it back. As a writer I encourage you to seek out the poems and tales of old. Seek out The Odyssey, The Iliad and just enjoy it.

Much love

Nin [Niniak, Thella, Blah, Blah, Blah]