While idly traipsing through the woods one day
"For Joan of Arc from France and Domremy"
While idly traipsing through the woods one day With nothing much in mind to do but play I heard a rustle opposite a brook And found three angels, puzzled, by their looks So fair in countenance with heads in crowns They bowed to me in need for one renowned “Dear Sir, please help in our most noble quest, Our Lady sent us here at her behest” “Above, you see, we plan a jubilee For Joan of Arc from France and Domremy” “Delighting her is our desire, behold! We wish to shower her in flakes of gold!” “But first a question begs our heavenly hosts We ask, what music Joan of Arc likes most?” I love all angels; they are kind to me Though these were troubled, needing help, all three “I know of nothing here” was my reply “To her in envy earthly beauty sighs” “But simple songs of love! Now that should be The answer sought for her by you and me!” My angels’ eyes began to dance with glee They raised their wings and played their strings for me They danced and sang with bending bows in sync Like seraphim of ancient lore, we think We marched and danced and sang our songs along The pathways narrow reaching fields now gone A light appeared above the woods and we Could see a figure shining beautifully With arms outstretched to draw us ever near Our Joan stood smiling, cheeks with trickling tears With her my angel friends departed on They thanked me ever warmly for triumph won I smiled and turned again to traipse along And thought I heard the celebration song As I did idly muse on my way home Through woods and fields on trails again alone I kicked a rock and skipped a time or few In hopes that I may someday play there too