Knight-errant

Thoughts of home?
There is no home --
only memories and dust:
softly plodding hoofs
on forest turf,
insects buzzing,
birdsong flutters ahead
like leaves before a gale.
These harmonize with
creaking leather, and
stallion nostril blasts.

Watchful eyes
probe bush and glen,
vigilant for any movement,
while memories of sweet Allie
tug playfully
at the corners of my mind.
'Twas just last week --
or was it two?
Time is still so
inconsequential.

Her laughter was a melody
that I was fain to hear,
and harmonize --
it's been so long ....

But knighthood is a life
uncertain at its best, and
it's my only ken.
I need the noise of battle,
clashing steel,
the surging power of my mount
in headlong rush --
a taunt in the face of death.

I can stay awhile,
but can't deny
the wanderlust in my soul.

Dallas D'Angelo-Gary 00