Eclipse of the Kings Years
By: David Painter
Spring and then summer still
warmth of days keeps away winters chill
It was the fortieth year of our king's reign peace and prosperity had been gained.
Was on the evening of shooting stars.
Some say, "Pieces of heaven fall."
the full moons face shines down as if to announce
"Hail, a new king has arrived."
It was in the dead of night that the kings son
Graywick was born, come first light
the age old rite of heir is performed.
Master craftsman fashion a blade from the fallen pieces of sky
at sixteen years it was laid by the prince's side
no blade ever or since equaled the arm on which
the blade was sent.
Foes from the north and sea all fell with aimless ease.
a stout charger black as night and as swift as the wind
now carries the mighty king
the very earth trembles ere he rode.
For thirty and a score he keep us free.
then came the day at the frozen bay
Some say it was fifty, others a hundred or more
but the king fell this day
his body borne home on his shield and the blade to be wheeled no more.
A thousand tears were shed this day
and the gray light from the grave is the warmth of our days.
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