From Keeper of the Sword

Uorugs will come and get you.
If you do not fall asleep,
They will open up your window,
Into your bedroom they will creep.
They will drag you to their dungeons.
Where you can only sit
And when you are quite fat enough
They will roast you on a spit.
They will grind your bones for butter.
Put your toes into their bread.
And when they have sucked out your eyes,
They will place lighted candles in your head.
So hush my little dumplings,
As you snuggle in your bed

From keeper of the Sword

Appendix IV: The Lost Prince Aelle
In the fastness of the forest on a bed of leafy green, a man-child weary slept. His eyes still wet from lonely weeping. His mind was filled with pleasant dreaming.
The castle stood in sunlight gleaming. Knights in shining armor jousted. Fair maidens blushed, chose their favorites. Trumpets sounded clear and joyous. A princling watched in silent, wonder as his father won the glory.
A noble Queen hugged child tightly, whispered in his ears intently. “One day you will be strong and mighty. Win great honor in joust and tourney. You will be a King quite fearless.” She smiled and kissed child gently.
He squirmed a little in displeasure. Then kissed her cheek to show he loved her.
Into his dream sadness entered. His mother died, took quick by illness. His father then from life with drawing, leaving all but his son behind him, gave Kingdom to stewards keeping. He sailed away in early morning, sails in sunlight gleaming as he passed from land and Kingdom.
Above the princling’s bower resting, feathered folk whispered of next spring’s nesting. In the night they watched and guarded. When morning came they would bring food and tend him. Then guide him safe upon his journey.
The princling wandered lost and lonely. Feathered folk had now long left him. Their nestlings needed food and tending. They had left him safely guarded.
The old man had passed in winter’s coldness. The old woman had wept at her loosing. Then she too departed from him. He placed her deep in greenwood sheltered. Then he left to look for folks of feather. The way was strange beyond his knowing.
The prince now lay in bitter hunger. His body dry, there was no water. A passing knight heard tears took pity.
Fed him from what he could gather, gave him water to still his needing. Placed princling on steed before him, walked beside, when steed grew weary.
His wife would be glad that he did bring him. Their hearts were empty because they had no younglings. He would be they son they wanted. He would grow strong from love they gave him. When they were old he would tend them, lay them to their rest with honor.

Candle in the Wind

High upon a mountain top
Gleaming through the stormy night
A small beacon dimly beckons
With a pale, flickering light

Brave words that have been spoken
Echo out across the world
A flag bearing peace, prosperity
Once again has been unfurled

Hope thought frail and faint
Once more burns deep with in
A decent, honest, audacious man
Has lit a candle in the wind

Once more we’ve been inspired
Challenged to reach out to the stars
Once again a leader has asked us
To be much better than we are

Our way is filled with sacrifice
But one day we all will stand
High upon the mountain top
And see the promised land

Perhaps our dreams are too big
Will be lost in times shifting sand
And these words will turn to dust
Yes we can, oh yes we can

City of Geodes

In the magnificent city of geodes
Small toads live there very well
They come from near and far
Looking for a place to dwell

You can never go there
But you can admire from afar
The houses that sparkle like fairy dust
Under the light of the twinkling stars

After the Midnight Bell has Tolled

Shall I surrender, give into my desire
To wander windswept streets
After the midnight bell has tolled

Riotous, wild laughter
Escapes when doors swing open
Music, voices spill outward
Lapping at the edges of my will
I am weakened by their calling

Flashes of bare ankles
Of swirling half naked bodies
Draw me in, seduce me with a promise

Without a second thought
I soon become one
With the gyrating, mindless crowd
Caught up in a time
After the midnight bell has tolled

When you Cross the River Jordan

When you cross the river Jordan
And go home, and go home
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home
Jesus will be waiting there for you
He will take you by the hand
He will lead you to Our Father
In that promised land
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home

The water may be cold
But it will not chill your soul
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home, and go home
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home

Tears and pain will fade away
Just like the morning dew
Jesus is waiting there for you
As you cross the river Jordan
And go home
As you cross the river Jordan
And go home

Jesus will take you by the hand
He will lead you to Our Father
In that promised land
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home

A golden mansion waits for you
Upon the other shore
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home

Tears and pain will fade away
Just like the morning dew
Jesus is waiting there for you
As you cross the river Jordan
And go home
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home

A golden mansion waits for you
Upon the other shore
When you cross the river Jordan
And go home