The King And His Dream

The king summoned his friend, dear, and told him 'You now come with me To the forest to fulfill a task Nothing more now you ask' They set out on their horse the best Rode past beyond the town, its walls, Beyond the markets, dwelling halls, Towards some distant land Throughout the ride, the king looked grave, hasty- kept silent yet composed It didn't surprise his friend at all For he knew his master most Riding through the thick forest They reached a barren valley side A place-far off inside their land- Outside the friend's knowledge That valley looked deserted, dry, Forlorn, wore a mark weird Not a semblance of grass or green, Seen a few huts sheared The king got down, gestured to his friend To follow his footsteps as if He knew the place and entered a hut, His friend obeyed the chief There they saw a maiden weep aloud, Lying on the muddy floor, She was wearing a dirty cloth Pathetic sight hers-sore The king gestured to his friend whereon He asked the woman in a brief 'What for, O maiden, you cry this far? What causes you to grieve? ' 'Oh! What to tell, the maiden said, We live in utter poverty No rain, no food for months over- Life's ferocity Famine drought and pandemic Months long here ensued Not even a drop of good water No need to speak of food, I lost my children a few days back And my man died last night What horror is my life! Now, what for I must live? ' Glancing at them, she said again, You both look noble decent rich What has brought you here- not known In this place of bad luck, witched 'Here you see your king! ' he said, I am his friend and deputy You indeed lost, but you must live Come back to serenity, The king will see to bring you peace Give your people the help to thrive To make your place far more distress-free His team will soon arrive' The king nodded and waved his hands They then came out and retraced their path Reached over to the waiting colts Set out to the palace back After they rode a distance short The king opened his mouth -thus spoke 'In my dream', he told his friend 'I was her man last night! ' September 22,2021