The Dragon Warrior

The Dragon Warrior
and the Priestess of the Moon

She walks within the Temple
in the cool of the Evening
Shadow and Light play across her
fluid movement

Beside the koi pond
she lingers for a moment . . .
for an eternity
And what would any man give
to know her thoughts
To know such a heart as hers
at peace . . .

She approaches
Saying
'Chyfrin
name in the Elder Tongue . . .
Meaning Keeper of the Secret'

I stand silent
for there are no words worthy
of such a Lady

She says
'Surely a Dragon Warrior
is not afraid of one such as me . . .'

I fidget . . .

“Speak to me Cyfrin
Speak of this secret'

My voice is lead
in my throat
'I would never affront the ear
of one so fair . . .'

She is waiting patiently

I move to the pond
the variegated ornamental pond fish
glide in a world . . .
A liquid world untroubled by . . .

'Fair Lady
How can I bear to touch
this flaming snail trail of pain
this testament to lost moments
that have died . . .
and while they are not resurrected
they remain ever-dying shells of memory
in the sarcophagus of my heart . . .'

She moves beside me
and appears to watch the dappled waters
where the fish gape air

The lingering burnished sun reflects
on ten thousand polished surfaces
of marble and alabaster
Setting the sparkling clear waters agleam

A gentle breeze teases the reeds
and everything is undulating . . .

'I have failed . . .'

'Dragon Warrior
How is it that you have failed . . .?'

'I was not . . .'

She laughs
and it is the sound of a child's heart
Delicate in my ear

'Dragon Warrior . .. .
I mean to say
That you have not failed . . .'

'She does not love me'

'Is it not written Chyfrin
that even the gods
can not make a woman love?

You have charted the Far Seas
and opened New Lands for the benefit of all
Yet in this you have never asked reward
for yourself

You have fought and bloodied
Those Who Wish Harm
In this land and far afield
Yet you have not sought accolades
in the Hall of the Memorally

You have done as the best Warriors do
You have protected and held firm
While seeking no reward

And then it comes to this
You have sought this woman's heart
as your only reward . . .

This one woman in particular
Tough others would honor such an offer
The one you chose does not wish it so
She refuses your hand . . .

I would that this was otherwise
but I must abide by the Truth
It is not through any failing of yours
That she does not love you . . .'

My heart is bursting
Death seems so much easier than this . . .

'Warrior . . .?
Chayfrin . . .?'

'Yes Lady'

'I would ask this one thing of you
Are you open to my request?'

My face betrays me to her
in ways that it has never betrayed me
to any other
I would give her anything . . .

'Brave Warrior
I was ask as your highest favor
That you release this one to her fate . .
And please . . .
Before my heart breaks . . .
please give me your hand . .