Requiem for a Water Horse

The Water Horse on the dry land,

       She guarded long the key of brass

Slyly hidden by wisdom’s hand

      So unbidden ones could not pass

Unmarked into wherein were kept

      Secrets to cracked soul and torn heart

So summoned there she lightly slept,

      Warden of hope for a new start.

One fateful day when one with strength

Came and sought to take hold the key,

And so fought the horse and at length

Soon sent her to her destiny.

Water horse strove to hold her own,

Although she stood upon dry land.

Parched and weary and all alone,

She fell to the Seeker’s strong hand.

Seeker gazed sadly on her foe

Who so valiantly defied,

But beaten to the earth below,

She lay there still until she died.

The Seeker took the key and went

Alone into the secret place.

Even so, she made lament

Whilst her tears trickled down her face.

“Alas! Water horse gave her all

To keep her promise to be true!

But now she lies upon the floor,

So now, I see, we need some glue!”

Copyright © Thom Mollohan

* A fun (for me) “nonsense poem” with a back story (a private little joke with co-workers – and they know who they are).  And can you tell that I enjoy Old English style poetry (and making mountains out of mole hills)?

** “Hippopotamus” is Greek for “River (or Water) Horse”.  Yes, this poem is a bit on the “dry” side of the humor spectrum.  🙂

*** The “Water Horse” in question was a wooden carving I had picked up in Africa about ten years ago.  While completing an errand, a friend accidentally knocked it onto the floor and its leg broke.  She humbly messaged me and apologized.  I am glad it happened so that the saga could be completed!

 

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