Crossing the Bridge

I was out when the heavens opened up,

I was only but halfway there,

I hadn’t a coat or umbrella then

On my way to my darling dear,

But she was dry in her great big house

That was built up high on the ridge,

The river rose and it blocked my path

With the Warlock, guarding the bridge.

 

His hat was wet and his cloak had flared

While his eyes, pinpoints of red,

Stood out from under his hat and stared

As my mind was filled with dread,

I didn’t know if he’d let me pass

I had met his type before,

He was grumble-growl with a werewolf’s howl

And a sharp and mighty claw.

 

I tried to pass on the narrow bridge

But he growled, ‘Who goes you where?’

I said, ‘I’m going to meet my girl

In the house on the ridge up there.’

‘You shall not pass, you shall not go,

I shall tear you limb from limb,’

His claws he raised in a grisly show

And his jaw was set and grim.

 

The rain continued its pelting down

And the thunder pealed above,

I felt determined to beat this clown

I was fortified with love.

‘You’ll not be wanting to cross Nyrene

She will drop a spell or two,

That will tear apart your Warlock’s heart

When her spell is done with you.’

 

The Warlock started to make reply

When the lightning hit the rail,

And lit him up like a paper cup

From his head down to his tail,

The river washed him across the bridge

And into its raging flow,

Whether he drowned or fried that day

Well really, I wouldn’t know.

 

‘You shouldn’t have used my name in vain,’

Nyrene told me at the door,

‘That lightning flash may have caused you pain,

It was kept in my ‘Un-aimed’ Store.’

I never go up if the rivers rise

When Nyrene’s home on the ridge,

If lightning’s lurking up in the skies

Or a Warlock’s guarding the bridge.

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

Coming back to you is always such a pleasure. Your words have the intensity of the warmest hug.

Lines that really stood out for me are:

"He was grumble-growl with a werewolf’s howl"

"I was fortified with love."

"When the lightning hit the rail,
And lit him up like a paper cup
From his head down to his tail,"

"Whether he drowned or fried that day
Well really, I wouldn’t know."

"If lightning’s lurking up in the skies
Or a Warlock’s guarding the bridge."

Excellent, as always!

[Davidgeo]

You are a fun read. Words move in great form.

[David Scott]

Fate? Luck? Karma?
Whatever it is, your poetry holds pearls of truth and wisdom like all great myths.
Thank you for sharing your gifted poetry David.

[ANTO]

Hell does hath fury (and other stuff) like Nyrene's scorn. There'll be no excuse next time. Fool me once shame on me...fool me twice *BOOOOM!* - one crispy carbonised fancy man.
Super tale - fantastic.

[roarke]

Lesson learned then. hahahaaha, very enjoyable David. Nyrene musta been one of them good witches, from up north...lol.

[Philip Muls]

The powers of a woman, proven once more. Great write, well done.

[Valentine]

Great and funny write, had me chuckling out loud. Something I haven't done in a while. Kudos. Valentine

[Barbz]

What an interesting and fun take on the unusual spells your lady love can cast from her "Un-aimed Store"! You get one thinking about who it is that controls the floods or lightening that can take you out.Is it the wrath of God, or of the witches and warlocks that your pen brings to life and captivates the reader. How many of us have trouble Crossing that Bridge Thank you DLP, once again you Shine! Barbz

[Einstein Noodle]

well the young man learned a valuable lesson ... listen to the women :) another delightful tale sir ..truth be told it put me way back in time when me Da was living and read stories to me with the same kind of delight ..thanks once more for sharing your talents
E.

[spiritwind]

A very instructive poem, David! Love will win out but you must stay away from unspecified curses or we fans will be without your great adventures