Episode in Errantry

Remembering the times of staunch and sincere training,
In stoic reverence to the solemn code of conduct,
Wounds light and dense always braved with chain-mail shining,
The knight now rode by new hillscapes donning lasting struct.

Ventures taking sudden turns where fresh trials would await,
Were all too known to the veteran of the wilderness,
Sacrifice through errantry shunning personal distaste,
Was borne carrying his hallowed sword with sharp tenderness.

Seeking further insights that the elements could teach,
He entered a steep gorge to test his spirit once more,
Where ahead lay a poised hermit somehow out of his reach,
Surrounded by floating visages he had seen before.

Many a long mile could voices echo and odours waft,
Thwarting not the knight and his trusted ride in striding each course,
But a distinct nigh at this sight perhaps a malignant craft,
Halted their steps in conjecture of its uncanny source.

Approaching dark lit by steel desire at dying day,
On these enigmatic springs that had chanced on their way,
It was his masking helm that mirrored all those visages,
As if nature was scanning him back with entrapping gazes.

The hermit evanesced drifting yet rooted deep in the wilds,
Along with the shrouds as the scene served wisdom for the wise,
Leaving duty and chivalry contained in lightened armour,
That hid tears on cleared path as the knight rode off with honour.

Reviews

[Lorry]

And all of that without an app in sight to preplan his journey and show him where he could find food and shelter!
Congratulations on keeping the past alive with your work and not falling into the trap of pretend import of the now being everything and all.
If I hear one more tale of must have nows or latest trends I think I'll roll a stone in front of my cave and make some cement to make sure it stays in place. No WiFi, no broadband and most especially, no noise! 😊

[Archishman Rick]

How wonderful and entertaining your review is, haha. I applaud and respect that you feel that way with regards to past lifestyles such as the knight-errant's. Thriving with limited facilities like in those times was something remarkable, you could be closer to nature and freer from superficial, entrapping and toxic aspects. Sure, life might have been more uncertain, But then, from the wilderness you come, to the wilderness you go.

[Marie]

For me, on reading this compelling story is absolutely fascinating. It's as if the Knight who seeks further insights as he entered the steep gorge see's himself in time to come and visions of life as he had seen it before, lived through it in past lifetimes. Later, I feel the Knight rode away into the future with some sadness, leaving the past behind him. A breathtaking write! I feel privileged to read! Gratitude with brightest Blessings for sharing... Outstanding work!

[Archishman Rick]

Such a fascinating and humbling review, I'm am delighted to read it, dear Marie. What you interpreted on this knight's journey and visions speaks of your immensely keen insight into life and beyond. You empathetically connected and derived much.
My earnest gratitude, Highest of intentions.

[Marie]

Most welcome always, Rick! Thank you for your very kind words. Wishing you a very lovely last day in July 2025 and a very Happy 1st of August tomorrow. I pray the new month and new season is filled with the very best of beautiful and richest blessings for your to enjoy... Happy Autumn!

[Archishman Rick]

I wish you the same :) My earnest gratitude

[Marie]

Thank you, dear poet...

[John the Baptist]

Has the sound of the tales of King Arthur. A happy ending, too: The Knight kept his honor.

[Archishman Rick]

An extremely belated thank you, but a sincere thank you I assure, John. I suppose it does have an air of that. Much appreciated

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

I was captivated by the way you portrayed his resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to his code of conduct. Well done 👍🏻

[Archishman Rick]

I am so very glad to know that, I deeply appreciate this review of yours :) I'm happy you liked it, wishing you a pleasant day.

[Sami Khalil]

"Seeking further insights that the elements could teach,
He entered a steep gorge to test his spirit once more,
Where ahead lay a poised hermit somehow out of his reach,
Surrounded by floating visages he had seen before."

[Sami Khalil]

I think you are bringing the legends of the past to life in a marvelous way of narrating: I like the idea of sharp sword with sharp tenderness. A wonderful story, poem of the Knight and the Hermit.
They must have become friends.

[Archishman Rick]

My apologies for the delay. I appreciate you taking a moment to read and comment. Perhaps the hermit and the floating faces were an outer projection of the knight himself.

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! You are welcome sir.

[willweb]

I enjoyed this poetic story that brought those days of yore back to my mind, allowed me to ride and feel, fight and cry with the knight. Really nicely done.

[Archishman Rick]

Thank you truly for taking the time to read, feel and appreciate. I believe those days of yore can be highly evocative and inspiring.
:)

[Ken Simm.]

Stunning use of language in this mysterious and remarkable write. Some of the phrases ans stanza I really love and associate with legend and history.

[Archishman Rick]

Highly appreciated, kind Ken. I am deeply glad to receive your praise and review. Best wishes.