Last Commented Fantasy/Science Fiction Poems (812)

First in line were to be the six midwives for they were the first to bring her into the world. In the spirit of goodwill and forgiveness all six midwives agreed to let Gresunda, even though no longer a midwife, go first. Tears streamed down Gresunda’s face as she hugged and blessed the couple. Next all six midwives came and hugged and blessed the couple.

Next in line would be those that had had a part in the preparation of the wedding. Even there tradition dictated as to which order it would be. First there was Frieda and Luitgard the dressmakers followed by Ortwin, the man responsible for Hulderic’s outfit and then it was Dietfried the Bier maker followed by all the preparers of the feast and decorators of the Meeting Hall and last of all were those who had no part in the preparations.

All were ready to start the feasting but the Shaman first had to give the traditional blessing. He stood tall and waved his sceptre around as he was blessing the assembly and the food. The Shaman spoke in the old language of the Gods which only he and the Old Wise One could understand. No one could even remember the name of the Old Wise One and one would think that if anyone could remember they would not dare to use it.

The Shaman finished and waved them to start the feasting and feasting they did start. The Bier flowed copiously to wash down the huge amounts of food that graced the tables. Mara and Hulderic could not stop gazing at each other even while eating. Every now and then their hands would brush against each other and linger just that bit longer.

“MARA” a voice boomed out it seemed from the heavens itself. Everyone jumped and suddenly there was utter silence. “MARA, I AM HE, THE GOD ABOVE ALL GODS, THE ONE WHO WAS BEFORE ANY. I AM HE WITHOUT NAME. I AM HE WHO ALL GODS WORSHIP.”

Mara trembled and fell to the floor face first in abject terror.

I hide behind my walls
of steel
they stop the ones
who seek to feel
the why, the who, the where
and then I
start to feel all
over again.
Retreat I go
to bricks and mortar
hiding in my castle deep
Moat will stop the evil
warders
while the lady tries to sleep.
Lock the door
they shant break throuogh
milady they have
come for you.
Fight I will
before I come
this land is ours
I will not run.
With slippered foot
or shielded arm
my honour to this land
prevails.
While knights are
fighting at my side
the bards will live to
tell the tales.
Of valiance and hearts
foresworn
to live protect
and die as one
the lady with the
phoenix hair
gave all she had
becaused she cared.

“Please all forgive me,” said Gresunda, “I spent many days adrift on the sea in the Skuddle and I was rescued by the Gods. I know that I cannot make attonement but please let me stay and watch the wedding and then I will leave again.” She then turned towards Mara. “I know that I can never make amends but please accept my deepest and heartfelt apology. What I did was inexcusable brought on by false pride and I beg your forgiveness.”

Mara could no longer stand watching Gresunda’s utter misery. She ran down the aisle and hugged the old woman and repeatedly told her that she forgave her. Not only forgave her but insisted that she remain and that a place would be set up for her along with the other midwives. Mara’s actions melted everyone’s hearts so the Gresunda was welcomed back home.

The Shaman heaved a heavy sigh of relief. At first he thought that there was going to be trouble but his panic had turned to relief. He reached into his pocket to retrieve a taschentuch to wipe his sweaty brow. Taking deep breaths he steadied himself and to all outward appearances he appeared calm as he waited for Mara to make her way back up the aisle.

It had all been too much for Hulderic. The thought that there was going to be an objection and that he could lose his beloved Mara this close was just too much. He had slid down to a sitting position and his white complexion had turned an even whiter shade of pale. Slowly he was trying to raise himself back to his feet. As Mara reached the front Hulderic had composed himself again.

The Shaman waved his arms for all to settle and then began. “Now that the excitement has finished we can continue.” He turned towards Mara, “Do you Mara Goddess of the Sea take Hulderic the White Wolf to be your husband and mate through life and in all things be faithful?”
Mara smiled across to Hulderic as she replied “I do.”

“Do you Hulderic the White Wolf take Mara Goddess of the Sea to be your wife and mate through life and in all things be faithful?”
Hulderic never hesitated as he replied “I do.”

The Shaman raised his Sceptre waved it about while saying some incantations in the old language then he touched Mara and Hulderic gently on the shoulders with the Sceptre. “The Gods have blessed this union so therefore you are now joined as husband and wife.”

There was an uproar of excited voices all wanting to congratulate the couple but tradition had to be followed.

Slowly Mara moved to the front to Hulderic and stopped next to him. Hulderic was overcome by the beauty of Mara and seemed unsteady on his feet. Next to Mara the bridesmaids stopped. Mara was that close to Hulderic that she could brush her fingers across the back of his hand. It almost appeared like there were electric sparks flying between them.

The drums slowly faded out leaving only the Gemshorn and the Dudelsack playing. Then the Gemshorn also faded out leaving only the eerie sound of the Dudelsack filtering through the Meeting Hall. The Shaman made his way to the front of the bridal party and slowly raised his right hand. This was the signal for the Dudelsack to stop playing. It slowly faded away leaving dead silence. You could have heard a pin drop.

“Dearly beloved citizens of Hamburg” the Shaman started to speak, “we are here to witness the union of Hulderic the White Wolf to Mara Goddess of the Sea. Never before has there been such a blessed union in Hamburg and it is therefore my immense honour to be performing this ceremony.” As the Shaman spoke he was waving his Sceptre around. He was so animated that he was almost losing the official fur draped across his shoulders.

“You have both come here in front of your fellow citizens of Hamburg to make public your commitment you will make to each other. You will combine your lives into one life. Even though you will combine and share one life never forget that you are two separate people and always cherish those differences. Love each other always whether you are well or sick and most important of all always forgive each other for we all make mistakes sometimes. Sometimes we hurt each other without realising it and it is at those times we need to forgive each other and ourselves. Most important of all always respect each other for without respect there is no love.”

As the Shaman was speaking many of the ladies and some of the men were wiping tears from their eyes. Many women there reached across and held their husband’s hand, remembering their own wedding day and rediscovering love.

The Shaman slowly looked across the assembly there before he spoke again. “If there is anyone present that should object to the union of Hulderic the White Wolf to Mara Goddess of the Sea now is the time to speak.”

With a mighty bang the door to the Meeting Hall flew open. There was shocked silence when they realised that Gresunda was standing there.

"sizes matter" chirped the hatter before
popping the size 8 and 1/4 on his head
and jumping theatrically into his bed
hat and clothes all snuggled into dreams

"things aren't always what they seem"
he muttered as he drifted slowly to slumber
and counted sheep with irrational numbers
shearing off some wooly fractions

then, arising after slumbered satisfaction
to further woolgather a daytime indulgence
about teas and tease, a timely innocence
to tickle his taste buds, two lumps please

though he oft prefers the honey of bees
he then wanders off over knoll and swale
to encounter his comrades and tell a tale
of little girls and deep dark wells

and felines with invisibility spells
and ravens much like a writing desk
riddles without answers, and other mess
that seems to jump from head to mouth

though facing south to tell the truth
to let the sun shine onto his face
he'd stuck with hare in tea time and place
so matter-of-factly exclaims "shall I pour?"

but quickly adds "sizes matter", like before

© Goode Guy 2011-09-14

Mara when she was born was a beautiful baby and as she grew she was a beautiful child. In her teenage years she was an exceptional beauty and sent many hearts crashing just by smiling at them. But today words could not describe her beauty. It was almost like there was a brilliant aura around her. Her radiance lit up the Meeting Hall.

Hulderic needed to lean on Heribert for support as he watched Mara making her entrance. As was the custom she took three steps into the Meeting Hall and then stopped as her bridesmaids, Gerda and Herta stood just behind her one on each side.

Frieda and Luitgard had outdone themselves with the wedding dress. It was the most incredible white silk satin wedding gown delicately covered in pink, light blue, gold, copper, white, silver and clear seed beads in a floral vine design. This was like a pure fantasy gown shape with flattering "v" dropped waistline, large puffed sleeves, "v" neckline, and open front skirt. If you can think Cinderella's ball gown then imagine it even ten times better you might get close.

Everyone was left speechless by Mara’s incredible beauty. Even the musicians were temporarily stunned into silence. Slowly they stirred themselves realising that they should be playing. Once again the drums started playing, a slow measured beat with the Gemshorn and the Dudelsack quietly joining in.

This was the signal for the bridal party to slowly make their way to the front. Mara seemed to glide across the floor and the bridesmaids in comparison almost appeared to be clumsy. Closer Mara came to the front where her Hulderic was waiting.

So this finally was it. This was the biggest day in Hamburg since Mara was born. Their little Mara now all grown up and getting wed to the most popular man in the village. Things like the curse was burried so deep that it was almost forgotten.

Hulderic the White Wolf was dressed in the traditional wedding garb that was reserved for nobility. He wore the traditional black Lederhose which was heavily embroidered on the front panels and suspenders. With this he wore the grey long socks and jet black shoes. The shirt was red and white chequered and with this came the black Lederjacke which was also embroidered the same as the Lederhose. To top this off he wore a grey felt hat with a huge feather.

His best man Heribert, whose elbow had healed rather well, and the groomsman Gerhard all wore similar outfits but not as ornate. There was no mistaking as to which one was the groom. Everyone thought that Hulderic the White Wolf looked even more handsome because of the snow white skin contrasting the black leather. Normally a cool, calm and collected man, this time he was pacing backwards and forwards showing his nerves.

People took their places anxiously awaiting Mara Goddess of the sea. A murmur ran through the Meeting Hall in anticipation. What would she wear? No one had any idea or had seen anything. This was going to be a total surprise. The only two people who knew were Frieda and Luitgard. They were the best of the dressmakers and they begged to be allowed to make Mara’s wedding outfit. Torture would not have made them reveal anything.

A sudden hush fell over the crowd. Something was happening. The wedding drums started their beat, first slow and measured rising in tempo then being joined by the Gemshorn then followed by the eerie sounds of the Dudelsack. A gasp fell over the assembly and Hulderic staggered as Mara made her entrance.

What a feast was laden on those tables. No-one had spared any labour in preparing the wedding tables. To just call it a feast is really an understatement. Only thing is that the right words just don’t exist. I had all been prepared with love.

Dietfried had surpassed himself in Bier making and everyone agreed that it was not quite but almost, just a smidgen off, as good as what Ekkehard used to make. There was copious amounts scattered throughout the Meeting Hall. No one but no one was going to go thirsty this day. Dietfried had made that promise and he certainly had kept up to it.

There at the centre of the tables in a prominent position was the prepared portions of Schlange. After what had happened they wanted it to be so prominent to remind everyone of the miracle that happened that day. Mind you though you only had to look at Hulderic to be instantly reminded.

Mara had barely left Hulderic alone since that incident and if he was too long out of her sight she would almost panic stricken go hunting for him. People would look at each other and wisely nod their heads. Understandable under these circumstances and surely she would eventually settle and things would, more or less, get back to normal.

The tables were laden with Bratkartoffeln, Bratwurst, Hasenpfeffer (made from fresh Hasen that had been trapped that night), Kartoffelsalat, Pfefferpotthast, Mettbrötchen, Speckpfannkuchen, Rouladen and Sauerkraut. There was actually lots and lots more, so many that it would take pages just to list them.

A night storm across the lake
Make swirling dark clouds rise
For crashing thunder's shake
Make going outside most unwise
Long the lightning's make
A blinding in my eyes
And causes some heartache
To shutter my worried sighs
Now lost in dreams forsake
In a boat to make capsize
I search for safe windbreak
Sheltered harbor I surmise
Calmness clears at daybreak
To a gentle soft sunrise

I found a magic wand,
I do not know what
Powers it yeilds.
Shall I try to wisk
The troubles of the
World and banish them
So they shall never
Plex the world again?
Hunger,war, hatred, famine.
And all of humanities strife;
Wiped from our memories;
As a teacher cleans a
Blackboard with a swipe
Of a damp cloth?

I have found a magic wand that
Lies before me; Teasing
Me ,taughting me,
Tempting with the powers
It provides.
What do I do?
Be selfish, and
Have it grant me all wishes
I have ever desired?
Material things THAT I
Think would complete my life?
Or change the people
That causes discomfort
To my friends and myself?

Suddenly, as quickly
as a panther's srike,
My mind is cleared.
Do I have the right
To change someone
For my personnel gain?
To alter someone
I think is wrong?

I found a magic wand.
I know not what powers it yielded.
It releases a heavenly scent,
As the fire consumes it.