Just Once

              Just Once

My steed is true and serves a fool   
With iron hanging lightly
Upon my hip and in the grip
My hold on reigns kept tightly.

My back is straight and head held high
Though mesh and mail hangs heavy.
The hoof is sure and purpose pure
Jump streams and over levee.

Though forest dark and dense as fog
The leaf gives way to sky.
At end of trail to my avail
Closed castle gate doth lie.

Uplift the latch and swing the gate;
Good steed waits under tree.
I take my place and watch the space
Whilst down on bended knee.

My presence known and now announced
She comes from lofty tower.
All dreams converge on her emerge
This long awaited hour.

At flowing gown and flowered hair
Looks nature on with pride
Held in her dress and hanging tress
Have flowers gladly died.

With lowered head and bended knee
I wait with cradled helm.
Her lips are red as though they’ve bled;
Most wanted of the realm.

A gentle gesture and I rise
With over-zealous haste.
My burnished chain and midnight mane
Contrast against her lace.

Release a sash and free her gown
A charm hung ‘round my metal.
Its purpose right to guard this knight
And fortify my mettle.

I look to her and wait the hand
She’d offer me to carry.
A kiss instead to wake the dead
Is given by this fairy.

A tickled ear and whispered voice
Doth ring throughout my head.
This kiss is mine for all of time.
“Just Once,” is all she said.

A rush of white and flowers fell
In sprint to chamber door.
Her fingertips and rose-red lips
Will feel I nevermore.

My steed awaits and carries me
Through valley o’er the knoll.
Now in my heart though we’re apart
A kiss keeps warm my soul.