Merlin’s Lament
There was never enough time to tell you all you had to know. Hours and days and years painted themselves across your face, Your memories like tree trunks, marking ages come too fast, Mine like running waters, gone before they’re told. Until the days ran out, and you didn’t know important things, Like how to laugh with all your soul.
There was never enough time to tell you all there was say. We talked of tyranny, democracy, chivalry, brutality, Might is right and might for right, and you had it right, and you had it true: A table with no head, a scabbard with no sword, You learned it all so well, but I forgot the most important things, Like how to love with every word.
You were all the legend promised, all that fate required: One bright beacon sent to shine for one brief blazing moment Before the days of doubt and darkness descended like devouring doves. Days I thought I might avoid, if only I’d designed To teach you those important things, Like why we sing on winter nights.
I raised you up, I crowned your head, then left you on your own. When love rebelled and razed your crown, what were my lessons then? All those years that danced around us, my wisdom slowly waning, I filled your head with all the tools you’d need to play your part But I forgot the most important thing: How to forgive a broken heart.
