Gustave Doré’s illustration of Arthur and Merlin for Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s Idylls of the King, 1868 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
From what depths did you see
Honor and pageantry
Timeless mythology
First there was one, then three
Three into two won’t go
Kingdoms to overthrow
Merlin what do you know
What is the truth you’d show?
Lancelot, Arthur here
Circle round Guinevere
Betrayal’s a flaming spear
Passion that draws death near
Lost in your own refrain
Merlin, can you regain
Or better yet, explain
Could Arthur return again?
(c) Helen Valentina 2013, All Rights Reserved
helenvalentina 
Merlin was probably a druid and Arthur a Celtic chieftain in reality, protecting his lands from the invading Saxons after the Roman legions had left Britain. Lancelot was actually added during the mediaeval period by the French aristocracy – almost a direct lift from the Charlemagne stories really. Guinevere was part of the older legends, though, as recorded by Nenius circa the tenth century. Just thought I’d throw that lot in.
Thanks, I appreciate it – love to hear the origins of the myth. 🙂 🙂
Beautiful! I have just begun reading the tales of King Arthur with my children.
Cool, thank you so much Ionia!! 🙂 🙂 I am sure your children will enjoy the stories! 🙂
Love this, King Arthur and his Knights and Merlin all my favorite characters!
Thank you, I agree, it’ the best myth of all I think! 🙂
Since I’m in the middle of doing Camelot, this touches down just fine… thanks
Thank you!!! 🙂 🙂
Love this! Anything to do with King Arthur and Merlin and well…. all of that 😉
Excellent write my dear Sis huggs
Thanks Roxi!! 🙂 🙂
love your poem Helen.
merlin wasn’t mentioned until 200 years after arthur’s first mention, who himself had no contemporary writing, but still i love their myths, especially Bernard Cornwell’s version. 🙂
Yes, I love the Arthurian myths too – that’s very interesting re the timing of Merlin, I didn’t know that! thanks for sharing!! 🙂 🙂
🙂
Ooo! I LOVE this! Awesome! Love, love, love it!
Thanks so much Briana!! 🙂 🙂
Reblogged this on When I Became an Author and commented:
A King Authur poem from one of my most favorite poets!
Love King Arthur and the knight tales! This was wonderful, Helen.
Thanks Skye!!! 🙂 🙂 xxx
I have always loved the stories of Arthur and Merlin :). This was wonderful!
Thank you so much!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I love Merlin. My first interest into wizardry back when the cartoon came out in the 80’s-90’s era.. Nice poem. 🙂
Thanks so much!! 🙂 🙂
This is fantastic, I love they you have set it all as questions to Merlin, especially when you ask will Arthur come again. He and Merlin are supposed to be at hand to save the country if it is in grave danger…where are they we need both Merlin and Arthur!! Brilliant, you know I love the Arthurian Legend as I am working through it myself! xxxxxx 😉
Thank you – yes, your work inspired me!! I agree, where are Arthur and Merlin when we need them??? 🙂
🙂 even a dragon would help!! 😉
Oh yes, bring on the dragons!!!! 🙂 🙂
😉 😉
Love this poem!
Thank you so much!! 🙂 🙂
A lovely poem that captures so much of the legend of Arthur.
I agree with williwdot21, where are they when we need them?? 🙂 great poem 🙂
Thank you so much! Ah, for life to be more life the legends, I agree!! 🙂