September 12, 2009

• Nostalgia

  I happened across an old episode of the children's show, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, on television this morning; one thought led to another:

  Lady Aberlin Denied

   

  　

  When I grew up
  I wanted to be Lady Aberlin
  from the land of make-believe
  soft-spoken, reserved, ever-so-nice
  always-so-kind

  But ladies need backing
  Strength is required to slay dragons
  dig moats--protect the castle

  In my world
  of not-so-make-believe
  knights were too busy
  polishing their armor, admiring
  their reflections

  I learned a bit
  of the dragon’s fire
  how to wield my own sword
  draw a quick bow

  Lady Aberlin calloused
  behind armor forged of necessity
  but chafed at the steel

  I kept waiting
  for that white horse
  whose rider would arrive
  Lady Aberlin would don proper silk
  and soften her stride

  But crusades are long
  the best knights
  always seemed to be absent
  imprisoned, or otherwise occupied

  I no longer wait
  at the tower window
  for one good knight to set Aberlin free
  I’ve learned to ride--securely astride--
  bought my own horse

  But, ah, there are nights
  when the wine is sweet and the moon is full
  that I sit by my weathered window
  and a wish still rises
  to a distant star

  9/12/2009 Cheri Neuman Herald

  • 8:23 am
  • 6 Comments