I reined my weary steed, while creeping dusk
Began to shadow-stalk the barrow’s side,
And in the straggling poppies’ evening musk
I saw a doorway, stooped, and went inside.
Upon a broken bier there lay a husk
Of what had been a man with giant’s stride.
Upon the bier was writ, “Merlinus sum”.
So I unsheathed my sword, and held it up
As though I bore aloft the Saviour’s rood.
The mummified magician held a cup –
More like a bowl, rough-fashioned out of wood.
Was this the Grail, from which the holy sup?
For hours in reverence – or dread – I stood.
Below, “Qui me tangit turbat mundum”.
My hand reached out, I looked into his eyes –
And into two deep wells devoid of sight.
The ancient tomb was filled with groans and sighs,
I heard my charger whinnying in fright,
A nightmare plagued my soul with boils and flies!
I turned and fled into the musky night.
Upon the bier was writ, “Merlinus sum”.
Below, “Qui me tangit turbat mundum”.
Author notes
The latin words say: "I am Merlin. Whoever touches me shakes the world."
Written June 6th, 2006
In a list
A contest entry
- Medieval Times by Luthien Luinwe.
350 points, ended June 12, 2006, 13 entries
Bronze trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 26 of 26
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very good
With some Latin no less. Enjoy reading these rhymed stories, almost like mini-epics. Very well done.
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This is an awesome midevil tale. I loved the imagery. I felt like I was back in those times. Keep up the awesome poetry!!!
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I am glad you appreciated it.
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this was a very well done piece and so full of imaginary... just loved the picture there.. thanks for sharing, keep up the awesome poetry...
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Again, very nice! Descriptive, vivid imagery - I love it
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Jings this page is getting long! I wonder why.
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{gone to look up "barm-pot", hoping for the best...}
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just felt like repeating myself...lol
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Well, fine! And duh for me...LOL...I only offer this one excuse: You had so many compli-comments that I didn't turn the page, and that's where the translation lay. Oh yes, I passed this link and the contest link to Mr. Laz deD - along with a note saying you don't bite! I love the poem - good luck in the contest, dear one! 
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Sister, you're a barm-pot. I translated it for someone, higher up the page!
I am glad you liked it - hope you passed on the link to LM.
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Oh goodie! You have written a poem that celebrates 3 of my favorite subjects: Merlin lore, Knights Templar lore, and the spooky metaphysical. I had to take some time to translate the Latin, but I eventually prevailed and found a site for translating that language. The poem is really wonderful, and I love it! Great subject and you do it so much justice (oh, but you always do justice to your subjects!) Shiny Sister
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Thank you, Luthien.
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Very nice, I like it. Great description. Good story. It's very interesting! I like how you did the insription a different language. Nice poem. Good luck!
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Hi Cheryl. Jings! It has been a while since anyone has addressed me as "missy"! Glad you liked the poem.
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Thank you, Angel.
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Excellent
Well now missy latin class was many eons ago, I got the first one, the second one oi-vey (thank god you finally translated it). Lets just say I got the gist of it. The poem is great I could see the cobwebs in the corners and smell the musty oder of a dry yet damp cave. Oh wait a minute you didn't say anything about those, hummm I must have been having a flashback to the good old days kicking back at Artie's table. Seriously I really like it.
Cheryl
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Wow, that was really good. I hope you win the contest, that was really fantastic.
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Ah no, Merc, it is the land of the imagination I inhabit! Thank you for your praise.
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exceptional
Just fantastic, Mairi. Only one who lives in the land of castles could have penned this marvelous poem. You've really captured a very evocative medieval scene of legend and lore. I only wish it was longer so that I could read more.(That's a compliment) Best of luck in the contest.
Mercury Rising -
Dearest Maire,
Coming back to read your poem now with the secret knowledge that contains - I LOVE it all the more!
I am still trying to catch your words within my own grail cup!
Tang
ps The collection is growing! -
Tangle, I love the way you never give up. The whole sentence reads: "I am Merlin - whoever touches me disturbs the world" Thank you so much for deigning to comment on my work once again.
Edited on Jun 06, 9:14 because ''. -
Melodies, people will think I pay you to write these glowing tributes!
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Merci beaucoup, Michel. I thought this one would be your flagon of mead!
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Dearest Mairi,
I've found the favorite line within your poem:
Below, “Qui me tangit turbat mundum”.
I don't know what it said but the Tangit might have been you sweet talking to me again - like: Dang it Tangit!
The depth of beauty in your knowledge of lore make my eyes turn as green as this page! A most excellent piece.
Tang
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So beautifully penned and truly YOU
If there should be "classical Mairi" this is an example that I hold true. It is smart, sweet, excellent and full of heart. When your poems arrive, I imagine imprinting them on a banner and posting it at my door where people would see them and pronounce them "SO VERY FINE!" as do I. 
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Bravo!
This is excellent, perfect! All the wonder and intrigue of "La Belle Dame Sans Merci"--in fact, prehaps a bit more intrigue! This poem takes you away to strange, wonderful and terrible worlds--classic! Need I say that I loved it?--ho, hum, another great poem from our literary sorceress! Oh, did I say "Bravo?" Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!!!
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