On the verge of attack, Queen Keitha returns from battle to her homeland of Borswick. She must prepare her people for war. She must protect their legacy. Bracing, with the enemy on her heels, she prepares and calls her people to arms.
Impalement by enemy sword
was preferable
to showing tears;
cuts bleeding,
stinging salty in her ocean of pride,
"she" was never less important than today.
The cause moved all eyes
to glean her leadership;
guidance calling in the midst
of muddled chaos and struggle.
Would her plea be understood?
A royal queen without jewels;
she displayed the warrior -
disguised for the marauders
who would steal her legacy,
euthanizing her heritage forever.
Fury stormed within her soul!
Agitation's flames
burned green eyes!
Anger rested on the edge of submission,
remembering softer times.
They were long days in early spring
when cherry blossoms lingered;
scenting dawn's breaking mist
above ponds and lily pads.
She had walked these gardens a younger lass,
believing in beauty,
believing in obscured mornings
and hazy afternoons.
There were tea-cakes and scones;
raspberry jellies,
and Grandmother...
humming magical tunes.
Grandmother had a gardener’s thumb ~
pruning roses,
plucking thorns,
building walls.
She grew this fortress with her song,
bending brick and mortar upon soft spun notes
where ivy vines and burred thistles
whispered, nestled, and clung.
Those days
but a dream's wisp of understanding,
passed quickly,
dimming memory.
Yet, they heralded today's stronghold.
Seven ramparts circled
crowned by iron palisades
protected by snake pits
and beaked toads.
This was their Borswick!
Oil scent filtered her nostrils
mixed with blood and red earth.
No rose petal or cherry blossom
filled today's turbulent air;
pious hope was left in eyes cast upward.
She reached the dais,
auburn locks
bound in leather tethers
and twine;
their queen.
Stately, resolute,
representing strength and fortitude,
she donned the warrior armor of her home -
of her people.
Today beckoned battle!
Weapons cast,
armor dulled with the tarnish
of enemy blood,
she raised her sword
calling to the heart of courage!
For independence!
For freedom!
For magic!
For heritage,
they would ride beside their queen
battling bloody to protect lineage-
...and they raised their voices in courageous song
chanting with their writhing
of battle grounds-
of victory.
Author notes
Keitha - Celtic meaning Female Warrior
A contest entry
- Calling all fantasy poets by Idle Mind Wondering.
2500 points, ended June 11, 2008, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
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Nice work on this write. I like the peaceful interlude between the call to arms. Gives the write a more vivid picture of what they're fighting for. Thanks for sharing and good luck in the contest.
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ckwriter69
Thank you. I am so pleased you enjoyed this verse.
~Pamela 
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Fantastic, Pam. So much depth in such a relatively short piece. Excellent descriptions and depictions and very well thought out.
Interesting from the beginning to the end. Keeps the readers attention and makes them feel as if they are right there beside her..fighting for Borswick.
Well done and impressive...Michael
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Michael!
THANK YOU. Coming from you, I am thrilled with this response. You are going to write for this? I hope. You would do a terrific job with your natural abilities to write fantasy. (How is the book coming?)
So good to hear from you too, my friend. THANK YOU. I am just thrilled for your time and impressions on this piece.
~Pamela
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Very nicely done Pam. I haven't often seen a cultural piece like this from you.
Paul
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Paul
Thank you so much. No, I have not written like this before, this is a first attempt for me. I am pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks so much. ~Pamela
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This is a brilliant piece or writting
I found myself wrapped up within this piece from the get goYou conveyed the warriors fighting spirit very wellAnd the lead into this gave the queen fiery beauty and depthTis a most splendid penning indeed. I'm so glad you wrote this piece and I'm honored to have read it
Best of wishes to you
Tony
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Tony
Thank you. Thank you. I am pleased for your review of this piece. My first attempt at anything like this so I am glad it kept the readers attention. Thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words so much. ~Pamela
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