This poem, now doubly long overdue to a simple mistake on my part
(posting it in the Public section and having it removed), is dedicated
to Corwin, in return for his participation in my 'gentle challenge'
(which was nothing more than a desire to confirm to myself that he was
still as good as he was). I am not disappointed, and I hope that this,
in return, will serve to show I 'challenged' not in vain.

Dedicated to Corwin:

'OH DRYAD'
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Oh dryad fair, for what do you so sadly yearn?
To be like me, apart from earth and fern?
What would you do, if you could simply leave
The shelter of your forests canopy?

Come, run with me where trees are sparse and bare
For I could show your eyes (so unaware!)
That happiness exists outside the reach
Of branches laden down with souls beseeched
To stay within that dark and lonely tree,
From which you gaze so longingly at me.

Theres more to life than tending Gaias herd
So if youll come, but smile and say the word.
Well off, away, and dance into the heights
And watch, from high, the cityscapes at night
Well talk of times when we will be no more
And toast that we will be remembered for
Two lives well-lived, well-loved, even well-fought
Defending what the Gods, for us, have wrought:

Capacity to love each other though
Our paradox of worlds wont let us go
So sweetly into rest knowing that we
Created love that burns eternities.


Penned by my hand on the 24th of Lupar, in the year 446 AF.