Kaira ran to Cedwyn, to be greeted by
a vision in a dress of red roses, head held high
as she spoke to the queen and Cedwyn knelt,
staring at that great woman, sword drawn from belt
and planted in the ground before her, power
overwhelming, making Kaira wish to cower.
Sweet was the fragrance that filled the hall and
foriegn the tongue that was spoken as her hand
was taken in Cedwyn’s and he professed his love
to the Lady of Roses and timid as a dove
she offered her name to him, Myfanwy, “my dearest”,
“my beloved”. And her eyes were of the clearest
shade of green anyone on earth or heaven had seen,
her hair dark as earth, smile sweet, and the queen
saw a perfect match for her son, though of what line
Myfanwy was of, she knew not, only that divine
power illuminated her face and speech,
A beacon of hope from the gods’ reach.
And the gods bestowed a gift upon their ears,
to understand her words, dispelling fears.
a language ancient, now clear as day,
in their hearts, her voice found a way.
through divine grace, their minds attuned,
to Myfanwy’s speech, like a sacred rune.
Thus, they spoke with ease, no words misheard,
bound by love and the gods’ whispered word.
Thus, it came to pass that Myfanwy began
her life in that land, courted and hope came to man
once more as their fortune began to turn
and Cedwyn’s heart continued to yearn
for her. She spoke kindly to him and the dance
of courtship continued, till Cedwyn made his advance
and knelt before that heavenly woman dearest,
took her hand and prayed her love sincerest,
with heart of truest love and admiration
for her grace and mercy brought hope to all creation
in that kingdom and to his soul. None could bring
him joy as she, and he presented her with a ring
of gold and ruby and garnet, shapely and delicate
With diamonds like stars, the metal’s intricate
design twisting and swirling like stems woven into
a crown for small forest sprite, glistening with dew.
“’Tis the will of Ieaba that I shouldst marry thee
that together our hearts shall forever be free.
That with blessings from above, our union shall be sealed,
in love and faith, our fates are revealed.
But heed my words, keeper of my heart! Trials this
way cometh, dark and dreadful, and our bliss
shall be short. Already, I sense this, and light
fades as the sun sets o’er the mountains and night
comes bringing unclean things upon its wings.
I see him, that evil Prince that still clings
to power, but ‘tis a power of more malice
than this world hast known. It drinks of the chalice
of darkness of which the world came and would
drag us to its deepest depths if it could.
But nay, ‘tis not its fate, for it has yet a
Different fortune, and my path does not go that way.
My path is uncertain, the end dark, but I
will cherish what sweetness comes to my
good fortune as Ieaba wills it. Yet,
I vow to face whatever trials are set.
With courage and love, we shall stand strong,
Together we’ll face what may come along.
For in your arms, I find my light,
To guide me through the darkest night.
So let us cherish each moment we share,
With faith and hope, beyond compare.”
And Cedwyn smiled and put the ring on her finger
and kissed her rose red lips, but a shadow did linger;
for in the depths of his heart, he knew the trials ahead
but for her love, he would face what was said.
Hand in hand, Myfanwy and Cedwyn, a match
made by divine will, walked long through that patch
of roses where they had first met, through the woods
bright and lush, and he for a time ignored his moods,
the ache that plagued him, twisting and turning
like a dagger in a wound, with sadness burning.
But he would not forsake her, his Lady of Roses
and gazing into her eyes, his pain reposes.
That night, they departed, her to her quarters,
him to his, believing himself the greatest of courters.
He told Rhiannon, and his mother smiled
for a saint whom the people loved was best for her child,
and Kaira, sweet sister dear who had prayed that that Lady
comfort Cedwyn’s pained heart, ran to the shores of the wavy
sea where the ships were sailing in, bearing her lover,
the mariner fair of face and demeanor, and his brother,
to tell of his friend’s betrothal and coming marriage
and they were glad there, and went to encourage
him and Cedwyn was glad in the company of Eirwyn
and Arawn ap Aled and was lifted up as by griffin
wings of myth, oh! happy, glorious day that it was.
But short it was, for in the mountains of the south, the jaws
Of death were coming with the snows of dreaded winter.
Until next time,
M.J.
Have something to say? Leave a comment! (Verbal abuse and ad hominem will not be tolerated.)