In a castle grand with banners high,
A lady weeps with a heavy sigh.
Her heart, entwined with husband's love,
Now torn by duty to her king above.
Her dear knight, loyal and true,
Her soul alights when he's in view.
Yet loyalty calls, a fierce demand,
To serve the king, her husband's hand.
The king, so bold, with noble grace,
Issues command with steadfast face,
"To war, dear knight, defend our realm,
With courage strong and steady helm."
Her husband stands with armor gleaming,
Eyes like stars, with courage teeming.
Yet in his gaze, she sees the dread,
A future stained by hues of red.
The lady's heart, a tempest wild,
A loyal wife, yet fearful child.
For love of king and husband's hand,
She prays for strength to understand.
"Dear lord," she cries, "why must he go?
To face a fate I cannot know?
My heart, it breaks with every beat,
At thoughts of death, a grim defeat."
Her anger flares, a storm untamed,
"How could the king, my love, have claimed?
To send my husband to the fray,
Where death and darkness hold their sway."
Yet in her heart, a loyal chord,
"Long live my king, my sovereign lord.
Though anger burns and sorrow's deep,
Thy honor true, I’ll always keep."
"Go forth, my love, with valor true,
And take my heart and prayers with you.
For in this struggle, I'll find grace,
In love and faith, I'll take my place."
As war drums beat and soldiers ride,
She clings to hope, her tears subside.
Through fields of battle, nights so long,
Her spirit sings a steadfast song.
She dreams of peace, the war's end near,
Her knight's return, her king's reign clear.
With every breath, her hope's embrace,
To keep them both, in heaven's grace.
By Katerina Grôzyn von Straßdorf, July 2024