I've been told I should post this here. Hope y'all enjoy it!
The Lay of the Mouse
Tail of mouse, sword of knight,
Heart of lion, queen's delight:
Death or glory, famed last-stands,
Life adventurous, sword in hands.
Long you thought these as your right,
Still a longing drew your sight
To Eastern shores, and ever clear,
Tree-maid's verse rang in your ear.
O'er your cradle it was sung;
Golden destiny was hung
Above your head, and Dryad's spell
Spoke oft to you of waves and swell
On seas beyond the Eastern World;
Glimm'ring visions were unfurled.
Where Sky and Water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find All you seek,
There is the Utter East.
Tail and sword, honour gained,
Heart's desire still remained:
To sail, to pass through waters clear,
At last to see that held most dear:
Aslan's country, Utter East.
Let no man call mice the least
Of Aslan's creatures; keep good hope!
No matter how your paws may grope,
And though the blue-green waves will rise,
Still keep your nose turned toward the skies;
And should strength fail you, face the rays
Of glorious Sun that endless days
Hath shone upon the Mountains high
Beyond the World, beyond the Sky.
Where Sky and Water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find All you seek
There is the Utter East.
Now across the wave you sail,
Set to pierce the dreadful veil
That bars the way from West to East:
Warden of the Bridegroom's Feast.
O'er the lilies fresh and white
You look and take your final sight
Of Shadow-lands and sparkling foam.
O noble friend, so close to home,
You see the waters meet the Sky
And lands once far-off greet your eye:
Pastures green and rolling hills,
Silver rain that runs through rills,
Leaping down from mountain height;
All is beauty, joy, delight.
Where Sky and Water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
To find All you seek
There is the Utter East.
Now you come to journey's end,
Swift the veil of shadows rend;
Here at last is glist'ning shore;
Hear at last the Lion's roar!
King of kings, beyond the sea,
Now him radiant you see
Standing on his verdant land.
Now you take your sword in hand;
Cast it hence! No more you need
This steel you bear, this bitter reed.
Lay before the King your crown,
Upon the soft and springy down.
Here, all longings fade away;
Come from night, to endless day!
Where Sky and Water meet,
Where the waves grow sweet
Doubt not, Reepicheep,
You've found All you seek
Here in the Utter East.
(Many thanks to Narnian_Badger, muse and editor, and to C.S. Lewis, without whom we would never have known the great bravery of mice.
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