You who were my lover and my
lord
Never could I keep you, more than sheath can capture sword.
You came to me from off the war-torn plain
And where your feet had fallen, the shape of all things changed.
You never spoke of love but with a laugh
Nor could I seek to move you from the quick, ambitious path.
My people learned to serve you, to fight your endless war
Though little knowing what they struggled for.
And your eyes, they turn to Amber
Seeing nothing else.
Our worlds to you are toys and schemes
Outgrown upon the shelf.
I who was your lover, I still know,
Within your heart I am only shadow.
You must always wander far afield
And how am I to follow, where deception is your shield?
Yet call I a young stallion to my hand
To bear me ever onward toward that dark and guarded land.
For you love Amber more than honesty:
'Tis no mortal maid who calls you, but a city by the sea.
But hear me, Prince in Amber; heed me, listen well:
A shadow follows you where'ere you wander.
And your heart is all for Amber,
I dare not trust your word
Nor the careless magic that creates
A host of humble worlds,
For I am but one arrow in your bow ~
A queen myself, I am only shadow.
When at last you sit upon that throne
What memories will haunt you, what heart will call you home
As you take a clever woman for your queen
To breed with her a trickster race, to plot, and hate, and scheme?
You told me shadow love cannot be real ~
I know, not hub alone, but spokes and rim make up the wheel
Which, turning, carries wishes and worlds upon its back
Dropping them as lightly as your kisses.
And your eyes, they turn to Amber,
All besides is dust.
You will battle down the centuries
Until your sword is rust,
Your lovers gone to graves all long ago ~
When death alone is left to be your shadow.
© 1991 by Beth Stevens
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