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"And as a Lady asked of me"

Living on the Edge of Fate’s Sword

Chill are the night winds
whispering across the silent fen
under stars like brittle eyes
that watch an old highwayman on his way
old friends, and old enemies
knowing things long passed

From here in the deep glen I look back
winking at them as they at me
both knowing I ride only to the pub now
for I love the taste of good ale
and the warmth of a friendly barmaid
sharing time until another dawn

But until then I dream of other times
waiting on those moonlight trails
in that bright edged moonlight
listening for coach wheels
filled with laughing Lords and Ladies
and their sweet purses of clinking gold

But I’ll go a venturing never again
for I’ve heard the cry of the Banshee
calling my name in warning
to a brother of the night
if I ride those highways
in search of golden spoils

So now I live the life of a Squire
and eat sweetmeats and drink best tea
as strong as I like, and never reuse the grounds
served by a redheaded maid named Kathy
happy to serve the local Magistrate
it’s the other side of the bench for me now

Yet of a night I still walk the fens
and sit among the ruins
listening to the soft wind
carrying King Kevin’s fiddle playing
from that distant place upon a distant hill
where leprechauns still play

Somewhere inside is an ache
a wanting to ride the Highways again
an urge to lift a purse or two
and steal a kiss from some star-eyed Lady
but I remember the Banshee’s call
and I shudder at her warning

The wind sighs and echoes in my heart
the chill eats at my soul
and I long for a life I can not have
I must keep the promise
or the Black Coach comes for me
and so I turn for the Manor a poorer man