The Chronicles of Clarazel

by Hazel Goodman

    Part One - Humphrey's Quest   

Page Three

By dusk he'd reached the mountain peak. The path was lost from sight And hoped that when the morning came
He'd find that winding way again. Then settled for the night.
 
Next morning came, but Humphrey Was most dismayed to find, That in the night he'd travelled down
To where the Mountains reached the ground, with the Sandy Plain behind.
 
Undeterred, our Giant friend Set out towards the Sky. "I'll not be hindered in my Quest,
I'll beat the Misty Mountains yet, I can do it....if I try!"
 
He climbed all day, unceasing, To reach the far-off heights. But night time fell, and with the gloom,
As black and murky as a tomb, The Mists swirled, ghostly white.
 
And once again, next morning, He found he'd travelled down, And stood there looking up on high
To where the Mountains reached the Sky; Surveyed them with a frown.
 
"I will not be defeated.  I'll try and try again To reach the Mists and find the way
To where that strange white building lay Come wind or hail or rain!"
 
The Sun sank low as Humphrey At last regained the heights. And through the Mist a golden glow
Seemed to show the way to go; A warm and welcome light.
 
With steps that never faltered, He strode upon his way. The path appeared before his feet,
Lined with pebbles, small and neat That gleamed as clear as day
 
And then, before his tired eyes Appeared a wondrous scene. A flight of steps that rose on high,
A Lighthouse, tall against the Sky, From which a Rainbow beamed!
 
He climbed the winding stairway To knock upon the door: And waiting, wondered whom he'd find
And would they be polite and kind? He couldn't be too sure!
 
The door swung gently open, And there, to his surprise, A small but stately Sorceress
Of age so great he couldn't guess, with wise and kindly eyes
 
"Welcome, brave young Humphrey. I've watched you from this peak, And hoped you would arrive this day,
Despite the problems on your way. This is the Land you seek.
 
Come inside and rest now And I'll explain to you The reasons for you being here.
I'll try to make it very clear What I would have you do."
 
A warm and friendly fire glowed Upon a well worn grate. And laid upon a table fine
Were tempting pies and strawberry wine And fruit set on a plate
 
"Come, sit and eat now Humphrey, This place is set for you. And when you've dined, we'll talk awhile."
She watched her guest with radiant smile, As Humphrey set right to.
 
 

copyright © Hazel Goodman 1987 -  2008

>>>> NEXT PAGE