The hard hilt of a hefted blade ....
     
by Wendy Zinger

The hard hilt of a hefted blade, melded
To masterful hand, metal matched to grip.
Grace with grave countenance, gritted teeth,
Teasing with tactics and taking a blow.

Born for beauty and blue summers,
Stalking now, and sending a sweeping thrust
Through the opposing air, thrashing - at naught?
No fair innocent, the narrowed brows show
A sure shot and a shrewd arm, eyes bright.

A maid, alas, beguiled by bared steel,
So leaves softer pursuits, seemly duties,
Down a darker road, dangerous and hard.
High-hearted and with a hopeful joy,
Joining the warriors, the just defenders
Of the green dale, the deep divided hills,
Home to her own heart and heart of the valley.

Copyright © 1996 Wendy Zinger
All Rights Reserved.

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