While drunken men slept

While drunken men slept

babies were born

red poppies peeped out

from fields of corn.

Springs gathered to pools

rivers surged onwards, refreshing, free

their journey inexorable

through town and country on into the sea.

The lonely were visited

broken hearts consoled,

nations, oppressed, their liberty gained

we watched the events unfold.

There is bread in my basket

milk in my cooler

I can't remember a time

when my larder was fuller.

I got a spring in my step

and in my mouth, laughter

gunna swagger through town

and count the cost after.

*

While drunken men slept

deserts were turned

to delightful gardens, people will dwell

where they had merely sojourned.

Listen! an old woman singing!

her song about a jar

cracked and broken, ugly

the delicate beauty marred,

Look! a tear in her eye!

a Potter, with heart filled with compassion

has gathered up the pieces

and made it over again.

For she had been that vessel

tossed out to the wind and rain

but in that gentle Artist's hand

has been made more lovely again.

Trees sigh with singing

on the side of the hills,

thankful for the streams that water

bringing life alive, as God wills.

Guinevere's bed

Shall a pale shadow

and she a ghost, a phantom

cost so valiant a king,

whose heart will hold with a promise

and break it with beguiling.

She will betray you with her kiss

*

Arms that will hold you,

eyes that have encaptured your own,

in another's arms entwined

making warm with passion the place

where is no promise to bind.

Dying sweetly in the embrace

*

Chivalry begone

with chasing from the kingdom.

Camlan's field will be the site,

the question Guinevere shall pose,

wild the cherry she will bite,

will bitter you too in the throes.

*

Was it Caliburn?

taken up for the kingdom

that had brought the victory

or was it honour which prevailed?

the true cause we may now see.

Then cast away the sword that failed.

*

Ah valiant heart

will be for a shadow pale,

pierced through with lady's arrow.

When she has made you cuckold,

then Albion's race will know,

for Guinevere's bed they were sold.

*

Mist that lays across

not only lake but the realm

now veils from our eyes the view

that noble, which made you great.

The find your strength in virtue,

victory shall not be late.