The Blind Man

Attend me well.
A tale I tell.
My wisdom I impart.
Though blind I be,
I still can see
What lies within your heart.

When I was young,
A song was sung
About a maiden fair.
Her shapely face
And timeless grace
Were far beyond compare.

She was divine,
As sweet as wine.
Her smile was enchanting.

Her full red lips

And curving hips

Would leave a strong man panting.

She asked around

Where could be found

A man who knew the arts.

Of song and rhyme,

And tales of time

And secrets within hearts.

She came to me

Down by the sea

Within my small abode.

And there within,

I did begin

To tell a wondrous ode.

I told her there

Of Crom Dulcare,

The dragon from the East.

About how he,

When on a spree,

Would eat both man and beast.

I told the tale

Of Tanuu’s Veil,

And how it covers all

From man to child,

Both tame and wild,

When death comes for us all.

She smiled at me,

Then bent her knee

And whispered in my ear.

“Great tales you tell,

And tell them well.

But can you tell what’s here?”

She touched her heart.

I gave a start,

Then looked into her eyes.

“Fair maid,” said I,

“I will not lie.

But me, you will despise.”

“Three seasons gone,

A man named John

Was called to serve his king.

He left you home,

And went to roam.

You still can feel the sting.”

“While on his quest,

He did his best

To keep his young heart pure.

But thanks to fate,

His need was great,

And so he found his cure.”

“A girl he met.

A young coquette.

She wove him in her web.

And then his faith,

Like ghost or wraith,

Began from him to ebb.”

The woman cried

And then she sighed

And placed her hand on mine.

“You speak my heart.

I must depart.”

A chill went up my spine.

“Where will you go,

So full of woe?”

I asked as she then stood.

“I have nowhere.”
She tossed her hair.

“I stay within the wood.”

My eyes were wet.

“Please do not fret,”
Said she when at the door.

“Although alone,

My path is shown.

It lies beyond the shore.”

She left that night,

The full moon bright.

I knew not where she went.

In all these years,

Despite my fears,

I know that she was sent.

She still lives on,

And each new dawn,

I tell her tale once more.

So those who hear

Will lend their ear,

And not just think it’s lore.

And so, my friend,

I’ve reached the end.

My tale is done and said.

If you’ve a mind,

Please be so kind,

And help me to my bed.