The Lady of the Lake

“The Lady of the Lake”
by Matthew Buchwald

The Knight of Courteous Valor a solemn oath did take
To seek the wide world over for the Lady of the Lake.

On a noble steed, companion true, he rode out on his journey;
Of challengers he met a few, but would not stop to tourney.

He bore no weapon on his Quest nor carried he a shield,
Yet his mettle always stood the test, no knight could make him yield.

Of land at last there was no more, so by the ocean he did rest,
When a boat that lay there on the shore reminded him of his Quest.

To his horse he bade a sad farewell, then he sailed out on the sea,
Abreast the crest of a foaming swell until his boat calmed in the lee

Of that sacred isle known to thee as the island Avalon,
And there in a grove of apple trees, he wandered on and on.

Beneath a towering mountain cliff, he stopped at an icy lake,
And stripped his suit of armor off thinking a bath to take,

When from the water appeared a sword, clasped in a delicate hand.
The Knight could utter not one word as before him a Lady did stand.

‘This sword I give to thee, fair Knight,’ were the fateful words she spake,
And then she vanished from his sight beneath the shimmering Lake.

By the enchanted sword Excalibur, this vow the Knight did make:
‘I pledge my life and love to her, the Lady of the Lake!’