A Knight of Folly

Written by Bryan David Sage

Strolling ‘neath a silvery moon,
I hear a sad and lonely tune.
A damsel’s voice instills the air,
Seemingly come from everywhere.

I long to ask her why she grieves,
I choose a path of fallen leaves.
Drawn into a secluded glen,
Her siren song invites me in.

She sits beneath an ancient tree,
With lovely hands she beckons me.
I feel no fear and gladly yield,
My faithful sword and trusty shield.

I lie with her, so pledge my heart,
My promise we will never part.
I brush away her pensive tears,
And beg to quell her darkest fears.

Blinded to her trite possessions,
Of hapless knights’ mad obsessions.
Banners, swords and a rusted shield,
Lie strewn about a blood-soaked field.

She smiles with a deviant glee,
And claims her love is for the tree.
Roots below arise from the ground,
Lying helpless, my body bound.



I toss and turn, but can’t break free,
and look to her in silent plea.
Fool’s life passing behind my eyes,
Spirit breaking, afore I die.

This poem is a nod to “The Last Man” by Mary Shelley and probably has a little Keats in there as well. I wrote it in college while studying fantasy lit. It is technically and lyrically functional and I shan’t let it go to waste. Hope you enjoy it!
Ivy divider by Gordon Johnson, Portrait by Willgard Kraus, Knight image by pendleburyannette, Skull roots image by Stefan Keller, Line art by StarGladeVintage