Koli the Huntsman (or The Servant Girl's Husband)

Midsummer lies

He watches
She cries

She gazed out from atop the castle wall
As the field grasses swayed under invisible fingertips
Crucifix turning in Her calloused hands

Made for such work
As the broom by Her side
She spends the noon hours watching
As the summer winds sweep across the Lady's lands

Wild wheat sown with sun flowers
She stares
unaware of
His eyes
and Her approaching reprimand

"Back to work wench!"

Heavy mail glove against Her cheek
He watches from the woods across the field

She bows and accepts the broom
Across Her back
She cries out

Laying the glossy-eyed buck upon the forest floor
He knocks an arrow
And steps out into the field
Blood upon His shoulders and in His eyes

Castle gate yawning as the titan's maw
Watchman asleep upon a drunken cask
Guardsman atop the castle wall
Taking some foul wench to task
While He climbs the steps behind them

Drawing arrow to cheek...