I tell a tale of a maiden fair
riding out in the wood
many a day you'd see her there
plucking flowers
enjoying the beauty
of it all

T'was not a safe place to be
but no fear had she
sitting in the shade of an old oak
unaware of the eyes upon her
a few burly men watched her day by day
as she came to the forest
and went on her way
one took a liking to her
and saw her as a prize to be won

one day
when the lady took her leave
upon her they did seize
with rope
and hands that bruised her cheek
her cries went unanswered
deep within this shady wood
She wrung her hands and fought her bonds
but all her struggles in vain
these men had captured her
she spat upon their names

tears
harsh kisses
bruising her soft lips
she began to fear the worst
suddenly the wind went dead
and through her captures chest sprung
an arrow head
his eyes shone with surprise
as he fell to his death
A cloak rider appeared
drawing a sword that gleamed in the sun
that dulled red as another man laid dead
and the third broke off into a run

the ride approached
coming down off the horse
holding a knife
the maiden feared
that her end was near
just as the stranger cut her loose
Being free she thanked the stranger
with glee
and asked how her debt could be paid
the stranger replied
as if spoken with a smile
"all I ask is for a kiss"

she looked at the stranger
as if had no manners
but she nodded
and closed her eyes
but instead of her lips
her hand was taken for a kiss
and when she opened her eyes
the stranger was gone

the maiden was flattered
and every day does she gather
the flowers that grow in the wood
hoping one day
the stranger would come
and show her the lips
the hide from her gaze
that took her breath away

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