Forgotten Ground Regained
Sword-Maiden's Song
This poem was originally published on the Imladris Poetry Page.
The hard hilt of a hefted blade, meldedTo masterful hand, metal matched to grip.Grace with grave countenance, gritted teeth,Teasing with tactics and taking a blow.
Born for beauty and blue summers,Stalking now, and sending a sweeping thrustThrough the opposing air, thrashing - at naught?No fair innocent, the narrowed brows showA sure shot and a shrewd arm, eyes bright.
A maid, alas, beguiled by bared steel,So leaves softer pursuits, seemly duties,Down a darker road, dangerous and hard.High-hearted and with a hopeful joy,Joining the warriors, the just defendersOf the green dale, the deep divided hills,Home to her own heart and heart of the valley.
Copyright © Wendy Zinger, 1996