Adorned in crimson and being most civil

A man from Palermo, Knight of Hospital,

Was stationed on high for he was vigil.

The Cross of Malta was his enshrined sigil.

There once was a day when tending his post

A noise tickled his ears. He heard an echo below.

This feminine chime rang all through his stairwell.

To him it sounded like giggles;

The merry noise of angel.

He took a leave from his turret to find who was so playful.

Clad in cobalt and wearing whimsy

The lady of Clermont exuded modesty.

Her dress flowed so gently like the Sea of Galilee,

And her smile so genuine, her joy such a rarity.

They crossed paths on the stairs all of a sudden.

Flying up, falling down; not sure where to they were running.

Across his chest her hand grazed.

The knight caught her arm and her gaze.

“Oh how fair lady who doth grace me

With the tune of her exuberance,

Your voice like a melody,

Might I learn thou name and hear thy sing?”

The maiden concealing her flattery

Answered into her sleeve,

“Nobleman of Sicily,

Don’t play humble with me.

Have you not ever considered

I have watched your demeanor?

For years you’ve stood tall, bold, and true.

Marching these halls before. Stoic and strength you exude.

If you might entertain an instant,

Me to yourself to critic?

It is a matter most urgent.”

He was bewildered and charmed

By her direct and observant alarm.

“From your tower secluded

Above our courtyard removed.

Like a sailor atop the mast highest

In his personal alter, a crows’ nest.

You preach to the choir;

The clowds, an echo chamber.

Don’t be so aloof.

Follow me now back down.

We’re going to tread on the ground.

I’ve seen your self imposed rigor,

As well as your self righteous demeanour.

Surprised I was to have been caught only halfway.

Excited I assume you must be to play.”

“I pray thee Saint Peter. Keep Heaven’s gates ajar.

For I want to get lost together tonight,

And we can find our way back with thanks to the North Star

And it’s everconsistent and radiant light.

Come the sun, I’ll return and perform my knightly duty,

And you’ll be back at your abode, my beauty.”

His eyes glowed of jade and amber

As he let slip her arm from his grasp awaiting an answer.

A golden hue shown throw the arrow loop.

When the maiden stepped closer to his, her face listed into view.

They each smiled in that instant as if they both already knew.

24 April 2017