Written by A J Dalton / Artwork by Marge Simon

Reading fantasy I quickly grew

into a wizard naturally

studying at the academy

at the feet of hoary elders

I strangely met a lost princess

and immediately pledged myself

I conjured her a palace proud

of crystal, gold and rainbows

she clapped her hands and laughed at me

then sadly shook her head

‘You’re not a mage full grown, I see’

and she simply went her way.

Full powerful I joined a band

of sell-swords, rogues and thieves

we fought for Queen and kingdom

and beat a brutal baron

we fought for fun and freedom

and the monarch turned against us

I spelled the widow to love me

and for a while she did

till a dragon brood came to the realm

and my enchantments were undone

‘I see you now for what you are

monster, get you gone!’

Near-spent I fled for refuge

in the dark woods to escape

the many hungry youngbloods

terrified I found a witch

there doing the same thing

together we raised a cottage

with a daisy by the doorstep

as we could not manage a rose

mortified I apologised

and deeply thus she sighed

‘It will suffice, you silly fool

come rest now with your wife.’

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