Coda

What D'ye Lack? - VI

How fare you, Traveler? Friend --
Companion in this mystery play --
Fellow initiate --
Come, let us sit the while at end of day and talk
Of what has been. What have you seen?
What do you carry home with pride or satisfaction?
What memories are yours that were not yours til now?
What have you won? What lost?
What gift found you?
What prize? What cost?
What priceless knowledge have you gained?
What ransom paid?
What did you bring to Faire --
What leave behind?
And what now do you bring away?

The sun dies rose and golden,
And the shadows creep and lengthen
As the tide of weary travelers streams away upon the ebbing day.
Sit here -- the wardens will not spy you
Hidden in the gypsy camp.
A little longer stay and watch
As wind dies with the sun,
And banners droop and colors fade
Into the night.
The lamplight rises here
Before the moon climbs high above the world
And bathes the wood in silver.
Here, in pools of warmth and fellowship
The good folk gather to recount
Their faire endeavors,
And to make wild music,
And to doff the day's personas
In a candid cavalcade.
The shades of past times melt away
With merry partings.
Now slow, reluctant shadows break away --
Away -- the day is done.
The still'ed clock begins again to run
And time to turn
Back to the future.
Come, Traveler, friend --
Let us depart the gate
With heart-felt promises
To merry meet again.