Travels In Provence(Part Two) Poem by Daniel Brick

II

I reach a plateau, and
pitch my tent at its base.
In the morning I will ascend
and view the vista, and
in that space spread before me
I will read my future, thus
unifying space and time.
But tonight will be given
to the dream geography of
thought and sleep...

I know in my soul's depth
I am following a path forged
by Tristram and Iseult.
I am perhaps one of their
lesser servants: carrying
garments and blankets, I am
in the background of their lives,
but for me their presence is
a central fire, which casts light
dispelling darkness and spreads
illumination dispelling ignorance.
Their entourage is small to avoid
prying eyes. Two mounted knights
with lances and claymores lead
the procession deep into a forest.
Tristram walks beside his horse
and holds the reins of her horse.
They both look resolutely ahead,
their eyes piercing the dark woods,
anticipatinga different darkness
that will release their bright hopes.
Iseult is veiled in a green silk scarf
but strands of her golden hair slip
into view and flash with a brilliance
that outshines even the brightest silk.
I see no other trace of the woman Iseult.
She willingly dissolves into anonimity.
Tristram wears no armor but he clutches
his naked great sword, Endurable, as if
enemies lurked along the path. At this moment,
he is not Iseult's lover, only the faithful
protector of a princess whose glory awes
him. He is steadfast, silent and strong,
and I can tell he is a very happy man.
Three retainers struggle and complain
as they steady a cart drawn by two work-
horses packed with worldly goods
the ghostly lovers no longer cherish.
By noon we reach the outskirts of
Tristram and Iseult's hidden castle,
their refuge from the frivolity
of King Mark's court, their hideaway
dedicated to the Arts of Love,
True Love, unstained by profit
and false glory. It is a paradise
they have created beyond the world
in which they can find an available
happiness. The rest is Fate.

When I awake to the true light of
morning, in my tent, alone and free,
I feel in my soul the energy of
an ancient, unsurpassable joy.
Such is the reward for my fidelity,
my faithful service to Venus
and "the April-like Queen"....