Despair and Hope

Tall and brave, clad in green
did he stand to bid me farewell.
Departing on a secret errand he was,
one on which he must not be seen.

My brother bid me farewell.

He departed then well-armed,
bearing the blessing of the Lord and Lady,
to journey far on sword and wit
with our wishes that he return unharmed.

My brother bid me farewell.

The morning was most beautiful and bright.
The birds were singing, the wind was sighing,
and around us many brilliant flowers bloomed.
He headed into the trees, and was lost to sight.

My brother bid me farewell.

Long years have passed, dark rumors have arisen,
and no word from him has come. Only a visit
from the Lord and Lady, a visit my father
long sought from me to keep well-hidden.

My brother bid me farewell.

Now, across the western sea
have my parents departed.
They left in sorrow, while
I remained, the world to see.

My brother bid me farewell.

Two hopes have I now left,
to see and hear my brother once again,
and to see the wide world,
that of tales my own journey be not bereft.