The Morning of the Magician

Something a little different today. I began with a title, and then a tune of a hymn, and this poem just emerged from that reflection, and sort of got away from me. It was always going to be about magic, and then Merlin entered, King Arthur, the sword in the stone, and yet this story, familiar, is seen from Merlin's viewpoint. The last stanza is draws on an old legend about Merlin.

The Morning of the Magician

A dawning new vision, it came from the heart
Of justice and magic, of that fabled art
Reflections of stone, and a fabulous sword
Of a Round Table, knights, Arthur our Lord

A spell is soft sung, Merlin said but one word
Like notes on a harp, such changes were heard
The sword in the stone, now comes a child
A prophecy coming, of hope reconciled.

Now comes the King, with sword for the fight;
A great victory won, and Merlin’s delight.
He gazes below, from up his high tower
At Battle of Bradon, casts spells of his power

Then came the King, whom many did praise
Camelot his inheritance, now and always.
Knights attend him, and pledge him their heart,
Merlin makes him Round Table, of magical art.

And Merlin left them, his victory won,
To sleep far below, far away from the sun
Until great peril comes, Logres to befall,
And he will awaken, and come to us all