The March of the Grey Standard

1) Far to the east, with the glowing sun bathing
    A battleground strewn with many knights dying
    A battle is fought, with the morning sun rising
    Fought for fair Avalon, for the High Kings calling

2) Great are the knights, they are noble in bearing
    Loyal and true, their fel swords are swinging
    They fought against darkness, to see the sweet morning
    Fought for fair Avalon, for the High Kings calling

3) But the knights of fair Avalon, their high banners flapping
    Are sorely besieged, their courage is dwindling
    They fight to the full, their whole hearts there giving
    Fought for fair Avalon, for the High Kings calling

    Knights look to the west, the western horizon
    They come from the west, the golden sun setting

4) Six hundred spears in the golden grain flashing,
    Glittering sunlight on their spearheads gleaming,
    Six hundred men with their leather boots marching,
    Marching toward Avalon, to the High Kings calling.

5) At the head of the column, a golden helm shining,
    With his roan colored chargers dark mane streaming,
    His back is straight, his noble gaze piercing,
    Marching toward Avalon, to the High Kings calling.

6) Through the deep valleys, the high mountains crossing
    The men of the column, their grey standard flying
    They followed their captain, with strength in his bearing
    Marching toward Avalon, to the High Kings calling

    Knights look to the west, the western horizon
    They come from the west, the golden sun setting

7) Now look to the north, a dark prince is screaming
    His dark brutish horse, on the battleground rearing
    He raises a challenge, his wicked sword swinging
    Death to fair Avalon, and the High Kings calling

8) Behind him the legions of evil are roaring
    Bent on destruction, pillage and whoring
    They massed on the borders of Avalon swearing
    Death to fair Avalon, and the High Kings calling

9) War engines were built, great stones they are throwing
    Brimstone and fire, on the walls are exploding
    Rampant fear runs, in the streets there is crying
    For death in fair Avalon, and the High Kings calling

    Citizens look west, to the western horizon
    Hope comes from the west, the golden sun setting

10) The grey standard marched, they march to the calling
    They come to the aid of a hope that is failing
    Their hearts are full, full to the brimming
    Full of fair Avalon, and the High Kings calling

11) Their eyes shine with courage as the dim light is fading
    Their faces are set, there is hope in the gloaming
    They come from the west, the call they are heeding
    Full of fair Avalon, and the High Kings calling

12) Hark! hear the horn, the horn that is blowing
    A golden helm high, a silver sword flashing
    A roan colored charger, down the battlefield charging
    Charging for Avalon, and the High Kings calling

    Citizens look west, to the western horizon
    Hope comes from the west, the golden sun setting

13) As the sun dawns on destruction, the grey standard is blowing
    On the western horizon, the knights are still standing
    Hope came from the west, from the west the came riding
    Riding to Avalon, and the High Kings calling

14) They rode through the night, their strength was not failing
    Their courage was strong, their resolve had no doubting
    Through the dark and the fear, of the dark princes warring
    Warring on Avalon, and the High Kings calling

15) They came to the aid, to the aid of the flagging
    Knights who with courage, who had given everything
    To stand till the grey standard, broke with the dawning
    Arriving at Avalon, and the High Kings calling

    Citizens look west, to the western horizon
    Hope came from the west, the golden sun setting

16) Songs they are singing, and praises they are praising
    How the golden helm met the dark princes raving
    How truth clashed with horror, how courage met hating
    Battling at Avalon, for the High Kings calling

17) Tell how the standard, it noble grey flapping
    How bright burning spears bit into the writhing
    Black hearted heathen of the dark princes gathering
    Gathering ‘gainst Avalon, and the High Kings calling

18) Tell of the wounded, the brave ones whose fighting
    Who stood against darkness, who fought the despairing
    To see the helm rising, in the morning sun gleaming
    Gleaming for Avalon, and the High Kings calling

—–
Some Notes From the Author:

I don’t often write epics, nor do I often wade in the sea of narrative. My talents lie mainly in that of description. But on occasion my imagination begins something bigger. This is one example.

Your thoughts are valued. In this case, the poem feels perhaps a bit rough. There are parts that I’m not sure flow properly. If you find similar places, feel free to point them out, and/or offer suggestions for improvement. I’m open for such things.

Thanks!