This is the sixth part of an epic poem that itself is based on the first printed version of “The Skillful Huntsman,” published by the Grimm brothers in 1815. To get caught up, get a little back story about the form, as well as a brief primer on why I’m doing this, you can find links to previous versions below.
Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5
8
Bearing their bodies, he brought them lengthwise.
Knaves love their knives, he knew, so quickly
He searched inside the seams of their breeches.
Three he thumbed from the thieves-to-be:
He noted the names by each notch near the tang.
“Wench and wages” whispered the Huntsman,
Now creeping across the carpet to draw
His steps in secret. He searched for the chambers
He left alone when luring the woodsmen
And fetched the first in a far corner.
He leaned and listened, then unlatched the door.
Inside, his sight was stolen. He missed
The wardrobe and washstand by the wall adjacent.
He ignored the needles and nightstand baubles.
The four-poster before him fixed his eyes:
Lovely she lay there, lustrous and splendid,
Painted in the pale of the parting moon.
Golden locks gathered along
Silken skin that stifled the dark.
A precious pearl, at peace on her pillow.
So fair in form, he flushed as he stood.
Below the bed’s lattices lay her slippers.
On the rightmost was written a royal surname.
On the leftmost, a lady’s, listed above
A pattern completed by the pair once aligned.
An icon echoed in the ornament she wore
Near her neck: a numinous star.
Eight were its points. Ancient its purpose.
A semblance of the star that sent the Magi
Chasing the chosen Child of Redemption.
A noble number, known by all
Who heard His homily on holy mount.
The slippers, the star, and sleeping maiden:
The Huntsman beheld each hallowed sight
Then clutched his quiver. Carefully he searched
For his finest fletchings. He found an arrow,
Then broke it above the bed with care.
Sigil for sigil: he slipped her amulet
In his pocket, then placed the point of his arrow
From his hand to hers. Hovering closer,
He whispered a word. The wind revealed
Its name:
It echoed in her ear
And when the morning came,
The Huntsman disappeared,
Absconding whence he came.
Share this post