0 Tale of Love and Woe: The End

Check out the first six parts of the ballad in Act I - IV.

Act X – The End

Ending #1
I thought to tell a tale of love
but truth wish not to bend
and so instead I spoke of woe
with hearts that could not mend

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where knight and princess had their place
but never hand in hand

Alas we see our lovers there
their hearts still marred and frail
what shall become of their sweet love
(ahhh) that be another tale


Ending #2
I thought to tell a tale of love
but truth should not dismiss
this tale I spoke did hold much woe
for hearts that found true bliss

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where knight and princess had their place
perchance with hand in hand

Alas we see our lovers there
their hearts still marred and frail
what shall become of their sweet love
(hmmm) that be another tale

---

okay, so this has been sitting as a draft since mid-June just waiting for the moment it would get to rear its ugly head...and it is ugly...for it doesn't really leave us with a happily ever after.

i for some odd reason wrote two slightly different potential endings.  after writing the first (rather sad one), i couldn't help but write one that was a bit more optimistic.  both have had time to stew with me for awhile and i am pretty sure which one will be the final act. 

the thing is that while when i first wrote them i was content to have them end just like this, i'm not so sure now.  i'm thinking they might need a little more meat...not neccesarily a different ending just more of something...  yet at the same time if feels so good to finally be done.  i guess i'll have to ponder it all a bit

0 Tale of Love and Woe: The Revealing

Check out the first eight parts of the ballad in Act I - VIII.


Act IX - The Revealing

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
and princesses fought not for love
nor with a sword in hand

What should have been a quiet loss,
a victory of sorts,
for both our princess and young knight
instead brings shameful snorts.

Our princess reaches for her love,
but meets his hurt-filled eyes.
With sinking heart she feels his pain
at her deceit and lies.

She casts her eyes upon the king
to find his angry gaze;
On strength of will she rises up
and brushes off her daze.

Then turns her face as hard as stone
to meet her father's glare;
With shoulders back and head held high
her mission she does bare.

She speaks of love as poets do
and hearts that know no bounds.
Her words appear to weave a spell
along the battle grounds.

She fears the truth but says it still.
When all is said and done,
the crowd's loud cheers affirm her plea
and prove her heart she won.

Her father stands to silence all;
his stare still firm and gruff.
"You asked me once to let you choose;
my law, you did rebuff.

"But what you did not understand
is you were mine to shield.
Now here you stand before my eyes
with sword you sharply wield.

"My little girl has more than grown
beyond my wildest dreams.
She needs no one to keep her safe
except herself it seems.

"So darling dear I do concede
your wish I shall permit.
Your heart is yours and yours alone
to give as you see fit."

As joy does swell beneath her breast
she searches out her knight
to find his sword upon the ground
and him nowhere in sight.

And still goes on our tale of love
in shadows filled with woe
our princess finds herself alone
as doubt begins to grow.

---

it's been two months, but i finally managed to finish the next (and second to last) act of my ballad.  it feels so amazingly good to be this close to the end.  technically, i already wrote act X between act six and seven...of course back then i had anticipated that act X would be act nine.  it soon turned into act ten.  i'm not sure people will like my final act.  as it is i wrote two seperate endings...though i'm pretty sure i know which one i'm going to go with.  i'll be posting the original post as i wrote it back in June later today.  Then tomorrow make a decision on whether they will stand as is or if i'll break down and add a couple more stanzas to them. 

anyway, it feels absolutely amazing being so close to the end.

0 she can't win!

i had an epiphany while driving home last night...go figure, it seems most of my epiphanies come while driving. anyway, i realized our princess cannot win.  


while i was never 100% sure how the battle would turn out, there were only two scenarios i saw.  (1) she wins, then reveals herself and her plight and potentially looses her knight.  (2) he wins and there is no need to reveal herself because he is who she would have chosen so what difference does it really make.  okay, so i think i was leaning towards (1) from the get go because obviously there is the potential for more 'woe' embedded within this outcome.  it never really dawned on me that there was yet another option...and probably the most logical.  how i missed this possibility, i cannot say.  but when her secret was accidentally reveal at the end of the bout, it seemed off somehow.  i liked the idea of the premature reveal, but something didn't work.  the answer was, "she cannot win!"


so i did a little tweaking.  it didn't really take much to alter the appropriate part.  i left the original post up, just because...below you will find the reworked act VIII.   

---

Check out the first seven parts of the ballad in Act I - VII.

Act VIII – The Bout

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where men were measured by the sword
and swiftness of their hand

the time has fin’ly come to pass
for our two loves to meet
no longer in their secret place
upon their garden seat

instead they strut the battlegrounds
two men for all to see
and bow to king and princess dear
but wait, how can that be

the princess in two spots at once
not possible you say
(hmmm) but ‘tis our lady’s maid who stands
as princess on display

‘tis with a cry the king declares
“the victor here within
will wed my daughter as proclaimed.
now let the bout begin!”

(ahhh) but to describe the artistry
with which our two loves sparred
their courtly dance with clashing swords
no one could disregard

oh what a match these two do make
both on and off the field
they fight with every breath they have
and still they do not yield

yet like all things that come to pass
this bout must find an end
for with a trick he stole from her
our young knight does descend


and with this final move he makes
her helmet goes astray
revealing who she really is
to everyone’s dismay

And thus moves on our tale of love
in shadows filled with woe
our knight now knows of love’s deceit
his princess is his foe

---

0 Tale of Love and Woe: The Bout

Check out the first seven parts of the ballad in Act I - VII.

Act VIII – The Bout

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where men were measured by the sword
and swiftness of their hand

the time has fin’ly come to pass
for our two loves to meet
no longer in their secret place
upon their garden seat

instead they strut the battlegrounds
two men for all to see
and bow to king and princess dear
but wait, how can that be

the princess in two spots at once
not possible you say
(hmmm) but ‘tis our lady’s maid who stands
as princess on display

‘tis with a cry the king declares
“the victor here within
will wed my daughter as proclaimed.
now let the bout begin!”

(ahhh) but to describe the artistry
with which our two loves sparred
their courtly dance with clashing swords
no one could disregard

oh what a match these two do make
both on and off the field
they fight with every breath they have
and still they do not yield

yet like all things that come to pass
this bout must find an end
for with a trick she stole from him
our princess does descend

and with this final move she makes
her helmet goes astray
revealing who she really is
to everyone’s dismay

And thus moves on our tale of love
in shadows filled with woe
our knight now knows of love’s deceit
his princess is his foe

---

i really thought this would be the second to last act. but i feel our audience (and knight) deserve an explanation. so with great unrest i will add one more act before unveiling the end of this tale.

1 Tale of Love and Woe: The Decision

Check out the first six parts of the ballad in Act I - VI.


Act VII – The Decision

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where chivalry was in the heart
and valor close at hand

we find our princess with her knight
her heavy heart so frail
for should she share with him her ploy
their love might still prevail

to tell him now might save his pride
and help her win her cause
but fear does bind her words within
this angst does give her pause

she looks into her sweet’s kind gaze
and finds her heart set free
so swept away by all she feels
she says to him, “let’s flee!”

his grin does speak the truth she knows
the two of them hold dear
to run away would not be right
their honor they would smear

he takes her hands in both of his
her gaze he does demand
to let her know all will be fine
their love shall guide his hand

she pulls him in to her embrace
and preys he’ll understand
her heart is his but hers to give
she must proceed as planned

At last with her decision made
she’ll fight with all her will
and let the chips fall where they may
and prey her love be still

And so moves forth our tale of love
in shadows filled with woe
our princess knows what she will do
yet fears she’ll loose her beau

0 Tale of Love and Woe: The Tournament

Check out the first five parts of the ballad in Act I - V.


Act VI - The Tournament

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where tournaments were common place
and fought with sword in hand

we find our knight with new resolve
his loss is in the past
he's ready now to take all down
to hold his love at last

with heart so pure he knows he'll win
yet still he'll face that one
who stole his pride and marred his heart
(hmmm) a rematch might be fun

And thus the tournament begins
divided into rounds
that will encompass four long days
upon the battlegrounds

our knight gains marks with every bout
and by the second night
a favorite he has become
to everyone's delight

he's careful not to let his wins
go straight up to his head
he keeps his eyes upon the prize
his sweet he hopes to wed

each blow he strikes he does for love
as fear begins to swell
for anxiously he notices
his foe moves forth as well

so thus goes on our tale of love
in shadows filled with woe
our knight moves to the final bout
to face--once more--his foe

---

technically, i'm still in hiding...that doesn't mean i can't come out and play once in awhile.


about three weeks ago, i wrote Act V.  upon doing so, i set a deadline for myself to finish my ballad which i began back at the start of February.  Friday i realized that my deadline was less than a week away.  and i still had three more acts to write.  so Friday, i worked on Act VI, on Saturday i laid out the final acts:  VII, VIII, and XI.  yeah, that's nine.  what should have been one small adventure into toying with ballads turned into something far more.  at first i thought three was going to do it.  when i hit Act II, i realized that i was probably looking at a total of five.  with Act IV, i realized i might have to extend things to eight acts.  alas yesterday, i managed to lay things out.  i even wrote two different possible endings for Act IX.  i'm not yet sure which i'm going with, but after i finalize Act VIII, i'll make a decision.  either way, i have a feeling they will be a bit of a disappointing end (not necessarily unhappy, just disappointing).  


so above is Act VI, tomorrow i'll put the finishing touches on Act VII and post it up.  by Tuesday, Act VIII should be up...and on Wednesday my ballad will finally see its end.

1 Tale of Love and Woe: The Uncertainty

Check out the first part of the ballad in Act I - The Knight

Check out the second part of the ballad in Act II - The Princess

Check out the third part of the ballad in Act III - The Meeting

Check out the fourth part of the ballad in Act IV - The Dilemma

Act V - The Uncertainty

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
and princesses wed not for love
for kings gave 'way their hands

our princess finds herself engrossed
from secret rendezvous
to bouts upon the practice yard
her world is all askew

while soon the tournament will come
and test her strength of will
she dwells not on what choice she'll make
nor blood she'll  have to spill

instead she dreams her heart away
and hopes their love is strong
for should she have to face her knight
she fears she'll do him wrong

so onward goes our tale of love
in shadows full of woe
our princess still knows not her will
nor how she'll face this foe

---

well, what was suppose to be a simple little exploration of the ballad form has gone way too far.  and still it is far from over.  it's been two months since the last installment, how long before the next?  and what decision will she make?  will Act VI - The Tournament end the ballad and her chance at love?  is this whole girl dresses up as boy, girl meets boys, girl dressed up as boy hurts boy, girl and boy fall in love, etc too over done?  should i just let this tale end with all these questions unanswered?  do i let it end like a sappy romance should? or tear it apart like the real world often does?  i guess i'll have to wait until the next act to see what will befall this tale...


i think it might be time for A Tale of Love and Woe to get its own page...

3 Tale of Love and Woe: The Dilemma

Check out the first part of the ballad in Act I - The Knight
Check out the second part of the ballad in Act II - The Princess
Check out the third part of the ballad in Act III - The Meeting

Act IV - The Dilemma

It happened quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
and kings did marry daughters off
to gain an upper hand

There came the mighty king’s decree
which spread throughout the land
a marriage soon would be announced
upon the king’s demand

the princess wished to choose her mate
and wed her heart’s true dream
our king did not agree with this
he had a different scheme

for knights and princes from all lands
would travel far and wide
competing in a tournament
to win themselves a bride

our princess is appalled by this
and wants to show them all
her heart is hers and hers alone
how dare they have such gall

to force her hand in such a way
her wrath shall not be swift
this tournament is hers to win
as is her heart to gift

but suddenly she is quite torn
by forfeiting the win
her sweet young knight could claim the prize
but losing seems a sin

And thus moves forth our tale of love
in shadows full of woe
our princess has a choice to make
that might cost her her beau

---

it took me awhile, but here is the next act of my ballad.  when first taking on this task (of writing a ballad), i did not realize it would explode into such an epic piece.  i really do not have the temperament for such pieces.  the urge to let it stand as is (unfinished) is quite strong.  especially when it will probably take another two acts to come to an end.  i suppose only time will tell...


did i mention recently that i still blame (and i suppose in some fashion thank) One Stop Poetry for enticing me to explore a form i had managed to neglect (quite purposefully i might add, but i guess the ballad was not quite happy with my dismissal for it does so plague me still).   

0 Tale of Love and Woe: The Meeting

Check out the first part of the ballad in Act I - The Knight
Check out the second part of the ballad in Act II - The Princess

Act III – The Meeting

It started quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
where knight and princess had their place
but never hand in hand

Here was our young knight sad of heart
whose world was crashing down
with spirit crushed he finds himself
just wondering around

He found himself a garden bench
and sat awhile to stew
there skimming pebbles in the pond
he pondered what to do

So lost in thought he almost missed
a beauty pure as light
he raised his head to meet her gaze
and felt his heart take flight

Here came our princess heart in hand
to sit beside our knight
she wished to take away his pain
which she’d caused with her plight

An’ talk they did for quite some time
until the hurt was gone
then talk some more ‘til darkness set
when evening light did dawn

Alas they had to bid farewell
so with hearts open wide
they promised they’d soon meet again
somewhere they’d not be spied

And thus goes forth our tale of love
in shadows full of woe
our princess holds a secret still
which might destroy her beau

---

it seemed to be an easy task...this ballad writing thing...but each new act seems to find me...a new ending to sing...


it really is amazing how the rhythm sticks in your head. i did not realize upon starting this challenge that it would turn into something so grand.  i found myself after the first working out a second and third, with a possible fourth, act.  but after writing this my brain clicked and the story line (i laid out in my head) has taken a turn, i'll be lucky if i finish this in five acts.  but all in all, i am quite enjoying the tale that is unfolding.

3 Tale of Love and Woe: The Princess

Check out the first part of the ballad in Act I - The Knight.

Act II - The Princess

It started quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
and princesses were lady-like
in gowns with fans in hand

There was a princess strong of will
whose gowns were laced with jewels
she wished to wield a mighty sword
regardless of the rules

she begged the king to change the law
but he refused to sway
and so there was no choice for her
but find another way

A plan she did at last conceive
a simple plan it seemed
to dress the part in clothes of men
as only she had dreamed

Upon the practice yard she went
to see what she could glean
yet every mighty thrust did show
a skill no one had seen

she made her way all through the ranks
and never missed a beat
'til finally she lost her heart
and almost saw defeat

rebound she did and just in time
to meet his heavy blow
she spun around and struck him true
with her lost heart in tow

And so on goes our tale of love
in shadows full of woe
our princess wields her sword with force
and make herself a foe

---

it seems this ballad has taken me for quite a ride...  the meter and beat is stuck deep in my head and i need to get it out of me before i go completely mad...  


unfortunately, the tale is not quite done.  there stands to be at least one more act, though quite possibly there's two.


i'm not sure if i should thank or curse One Stop Poetry and their Form Monday for getting me started on this journey...

4 Tale of Love and Woe: The Knight

I thought to tell a tale of woe
but truth wish not to bend
and so instead I speak of love
with hearts that had to mend

It started quite some time ago
when dragons roamed the land
and knights wore armor made of gold
with silver swords in hand

There came a young knight brave and strong
whose skill no one could match
with bow or sword it mattered not
he never felt a scratch

he parried every thrust he met
until opponents wept
with tears of sheer exhaustion spent
defeat they did accept

Then came the day that struck a blow
to heart as well as skin
a new opponent he did face
who took him for the win

And thus begins our tale of love
in shadows filled with woe
this poor young knight with broken heart
has met more than a foe

---

 
this ballad is far from over...much more still needs be told...this act has been completely spun...the rest will soon unfold...
 
while i've tried may hand at some different forms of poetry, the ballad i pushed aside; unsure i wished to tackle such a feat.   but One Stop Poetry apparently has a Form Monday that enticed me into giving it a go.  hopefully the rest will soon unfold...