Elaine’s Lament

He burst into my world like sunlight on a winter’s day
My one true love and my destiny in him entwined did lay
For he was yet the noblest knight and I must bear his son
To be the greatest and purest and so the tale did run

But the knight loved Guinevere with all his passion and fire
And though she was the King’s own wife, could not Elaine desire?
But prophecy must be fulfilled so trickery must serve
If Guinevere’s his one desire then I must look like her.

He loved me all the starlit night but when the morning came
Afraid, confused, he threatened me and filled my heart with shame
And then I knew what cruel fate had cast me for my life
That I should love but one fine man and he another’s wife

He burst into my world like sunlight on a winter’s day
My one true love and my destiny in him entwined did lay
Oh knight of my heart I love you still though you may not forgive me
I bear your son, but not your love. The noblest knight has left me.

Elaine