I have always been moved by the skills of the Calontir skald Morgana bro Moranwyg, and inspired by some of her short praise pieces like "The Amber Merchant" I have written a few storylets like "The Woodman" in fond imitation.
The Woodman
Gavin Kent, AS LVI
I was a woodman, ere I lived. The beech and the oak, the larch and the fir were all my labors. Timber straight and true for home and hall, for bed and bow, for ship of war and trade.
Other lads of my village dreamed of arms and glory, or of letters and the glory of God; but to me the greenwood was cathedral, and glory enough.
As beating heart was the stroke of my axe, and the rasp of the saw my breath. I grew to manhood there, beneath the pines, and I learned.
Unlooked for, yet love did I find. A lass who saw me for my heart, and tho she could speak not a word, we courted and wed, and were happy for many years. Children we had none, but the quiet of the woods edge suited us well.
The work of my axe warmed our cottage, bought our meat, and none could count those things of good use that were hewn into being thereby.
The years flew as woodchips at my feet gathered, and our hair grew gray; and slower to fall were the trees, yet still I went to the work. When she died, my timber hewn to plank held her in her final sleep, and all my love went with her.
Every tree, in its turn must fall, and so make way for the new; and so shall I and lie beside my love.
I would that who comes after me should hew my memory, and plant life anew.
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