Poem #8: The Cyclops

The Cyclops sat on the sandy shore

his toes deep in the sand

a book of tales of forgotten lore

he held in a giant hand. 

Here all was peaceful, all was still

except for the roar of the sea, 

and the knights in the book who fought and killed

fierce dragons so gallantly. 

The Cyclops thought, "How I'd like to be

so brave like the knights in tales

and save fair maidens from the dreadful teeth

of the dragons with their fire and scales."

Then the Cyclops said, "I'll go on a quest

and find a maid in need. 

This way I can verify-nay, I'll test

my willingness to do the deed." 

So the Cyclops gathered his pack and stick 

and he donned his pointy hat

then he bade goodbye to his house of brick 

and his garden and his little cat. 

Then off he went! down the long, long road

to seek out and find his fate 

till he came to a castle, a kingly abode

and he stopped right at the gate. 

He stopped, for he thought he had heard a scream,

the scream of a frightened maid

He looked all around for the princess or queen,
but none came within his gaze.

And there, he saw, in the window above, 

the most beautiful creature alive

and he called "Oh, my lady! My lady, my love! 

Perhaps an escape I'll contrive?

"For I heard you scream from the window just now, 

I fear you're in danger for sure.

Be they dragons or serpents or overgrown cows, 

I'll save you, my lady so pure!"

But the maiden laughed with a light in her eye
and she looked on the cyclops and said,
"'Twas but a mere spider which caused me to cry,
but don't fear, I crushed him dead."

Then the princess said, "Set all fears aside!
there's no life here at stake.
Pray, dear sir, why don't you come inside
and perhaps we'll share some cake?"

So the cyclops climbed the tower stair
and entered the tower room
and the maiden drew him a little chair
and some tea and a golden spoon.

Then the two of them sat for a day and a half
swapping tales of forgotten lore
with their tea and their cake, together they laughed
and remembered their troubles no more.