Another vaguely Arthurian poem popped into my mind the other day, and I thought it was worth bumping Philosopher Fridays this week to share it. I think it may need another stanza to give a better picture of their lives and revelries, but I’m still pondering that. I have a sneaking suspicion that another poem is coming – I have a mind to write about desperate courtiers.
In the dark, still places in the deep of the woods
Lay in wait thieves and bandits who live on travelers’ goods.
All that it takes is just one handsome carriage,
Well stocked with provisions for a long forest passage.
One carriage is all that these vagabonds need
To supply themselves fully for two months at least.
They’ll use what they steal to augment their home camp
And live off the food for as long as it lasts.
The rest of the treasures they would barter and trade,
And buy new supplies from the profits they made.
Then they’d return to their camps, where they’ll lie
In wait ’til another poor soul passes by.
3 thoughts on “A Poem about Bandits”
stephencwinter
Many thanks for following my Lord of the Rings Blog, Michelle. My experience on reading the Poem about Bandits was to be transported back to one of the best aspects of my childhood. I know that if I had encountered it then I would have been gripped immediately and the poem’s images would have stayed with me, perhaps forever. As it is I find myself again in that pleasurable space that requires childlikeness to enjoy. Of course I would not wish to encounter real bandits in the woods. That would not be pleasurable at all. But on this Monday morning these bandits are awakening and delighting my imagination and for that I thank you very much.
Michelle Joelle
Thank you so much – your blog is wonderful, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem. I take it as a high compliment from someone who reads Tolkien so closely!
stephencwinter
Reblogged this on Wisdom from The Lord of the Rings.