Cheer Glorious Reign

Cheer Glorious Reign
© Surazeus
2024 08 04

Sweet pungent scent of sun-baked summer grass 
while I walk meadow in broad mountain vale 
dispels illusions of theories and states 
that cloud my mind with ambition for power, 
so all I know is timeless sense of calm 
that fills my heart with each celestial breath. 

While meditating on nature of life 
near wind-blown oak tree in broad mountain vale, 
Godefridus senses ripples of fear, 
so he assumes martial stance with deep breath, 
gripping Durandal, sword his father forged, 
and gave to him before his tragic death. 

Flicker of shadow in grove of yew trees 
alerts his sense of danger with alarm 
so he leaps high on wings of Icarus 
to battle thirteen devils on black robes 
sent by his uncle in tall castle tower 
to assassinate claimant to the throne. 

Sturdy blades of thin swords, honed sharp as rays 
of sunlight gleaming in the waterfall, 
flash as they clang in swift battle of wits 
when Godefridus leaps and twirls with grace, 
and somersaults to nick their exposed flesh, 
then lands firm on Earth as they all fall dead. 

Gripping brass key, that hangs next to his heart, 
Godefridus unlocks huge castle door 
and climbs stone stairs, cluttered with skeletons, 
that wind in spirals toward eye of the sun, 
to find his uncle, ancient bearded king, 
slouched half-paralyzed on gold jeweled throne. 

Attempting to forget games of state power, 
I left society of men behind 
and wandered carefree in high mountain vale, 
eating fruit given by bountiful Nature, 
and strumming lyre of Mercury in peace 
while gazing in eyes of woman I love. 

Yet Fate has other designs for my life 
and caused you to drag me back into Hell 
where I might fight to rule the world with wits 
when you sent assassins of your cruel greed 
who sprang from bitter hatred of your heart 
to spoil my peaceful paradise with war. 

Beheading old king with sharp Durandal, 
Godefridus places bright jeweled crown 
on his own head, sighs, then steps before crowd 
of nobles and priests in large castle court 
who cheer glorious reign of the Hidden Dragon 
when he raises the Holy Grail and drinks.