This Traveler's Tale is my new favorite. It has so many good lines and the message is universal. - poetheart 04/15/02
I can't believe yon slender blade-
Did gi' me such a wound.
I fear a lesser man than I,
Would long ago ha' swooned.
I packed the wound wi' moss an' such.
Alas, to no avail-
I trust I 'ave the time to pen-
Me final Traveler's Tale.
How red the blood wha' flows so free-
Fra' just below me 'eart.
I feel me strength a fadin' fast,
Lor', 'elp me, where to start?
A bit o' consolation-
I spitted yonder 'ound,
Wha' also went an' took me life,
Together we'll be found.
I've traveled long and lonely roads-
For nearly three score years.
I've known a bit o' laughter-
Aye, an' also shed me tears.
Battles, 'ave I fought an' won-
An' loved some lassies, too.
Ah, lad, I fear me race is run.
An' me adventures through.
If I cou' do it o'er again-
Retrace the paths I've trod-
P'raps I change things just a mite,
An' take more time for God.
P'raps I'd settle down to live-
A bit more peaceful life,
Aye, raise a couple stalwart lads,
An' 'ave a lovin' wife…
'Tis barely noon, yet my eyes dim-
Faith! 'ow me strength 'as flown.
It seems I'll die, the way I lived-
Unloved, unmourned, alone!
So when the fires are burning bright-
Why! lift a mug o' ale…
For I'll 'ave entered Death's long night-
Thus end's the Traveler's Tale.by John R. Yaws