Lancelot's Dream Poem by Hal Caufield

I drank all the Allegrini wine
Trying to shake the pain
And chase the cold
That of late has overcome my heart.
And when the grapes had settled
In my belly for night,
I found some solace in sleep.

As Morpheus took hold of me
I floated out of sight
Of the four walls that bind me.
Dream restored my joy in flight
Over you and field of flowers
Framed by quiet streams of delight.

I dreamt that I was
Once again that knight.
The one I told you once I would be.
Gallant perched on valiant steed,
Content to fight only for
My Lady’s joy and clarity.

You were dressed in white,
Like that summer’s day
I raced you back in a flurry of laugher.
Except in my dream
You wore a garland
In your hair made of white rose
Pedals and cherry blossoms.

I knelt before you,
Eyes cast down.
Ashamed for the first time
To stare into the blueness of your eyes.

I have wronged you my Lady.
You are right to expect more of me.
I should have never tried to kiss you
Before the ordained time.

I have no defense
But to express my sorrow.
And to explain
That what I did
Was not done with lascivious thoughts.
And although you think me a fiend
Unworthy of your love,
I am not that beast you told me
Did those horrid things so long ago.
When I tried to kiss you
I was consumed through and through by love.
And although it does not make a difference
Why I did what I did,
I hope you will accept my heartfelt apologies,
And allow me once again to be your Lancelot.
On bended knee, I dreamt.