Part One - Humphrey's
Quest
The Chronicles of Clarazel
by Hazel Goodman
Part One - Humphrey's
Quest
Page Two
| The late Spring Flowers were blooming, A skylark sang on high: As Humphrey turned for one brief look, | |
| Before he crossed the babbling brook, He waved a last Goodbye | |
| He travelled far for many days, Making camp each night. Across the edge of Giantland | |
| To a Wilderness of Shrubs and Sand, 'Til the Mountains came in sight | |
| He came upon a Hermit there Where the Sandy Plain began. And asked politely if he'd say | |
| What place beyond the Mountains lay? Was it a pleasant land? | |
| "I know not," said the Hermit. "Few folk have tried that climb. And those that do, I've heard them say, | |
| Can get no more than half the way. It beats them every time!" | |
| "A mystery," said Humphrey. "But one that I must see. I think I'll try to reach the peak, | |
| It may be there, the Land I seek, Where I'll live peacefully." | |
| "Good luck lad," spoke the Hermit. "One thing, before we part - You wouldn't have a book or two | |
| Of Prose or Verse? I've but a few, And know them all by heart." | |
| "Take these." said Humphrey, smiling. "Here's one that tells of Whales. And one of Verse and silly rhymes | |
| That's made me chuckle many times Called 'Storytellers Tales'." | |
| He gave the Hermit two slim books, With bindings of bright blue:Who in return gave Humphrey Bold | |
| A long, fine chain of Sparkling Gold With a stone of Rainbow hue. | |
| "A keepsake for you Humphrey, A good luck charm." He said. "When all your paths seem dark and drear, | |
| The stone will show the way that's clear, And free you from all dread." | |
| Humphrey turned and bade farewell To the Hermit friend he'd found. And set his feet upon the way | |
| To take him where the Mountains lay Beyond the Barren Ground. | |
| At dusk he reached the Towering Rocks Rising jagged to the sky. With thick grey mists about the peaks, | |
| Is this the one? The Land he seeks? He'd find out, by and by. | |
| As Humphrey raised his head to look The mists began to rise, And high above, a building white, | |
| A strange and tantalising sight, He scarce believed his eyes. | |
| "Tomorrow I will climb," he thought "To reach the Palace high. I'll find a way to reach that place, | |
| To meet the people face to face. I'll get there...Do or die!" | |
| He spent the night in peaceful sleep And dreamed the strangest things: Of green and spotty Dinosaurs | |
|
And little Knights afraid of wars And wise and kindly Kings. |
|
| At Sunrise Humphrey started And aimed to reach the top He climbed and climbed all through the day | |
| To where the mists swirled wet and grey. It seemed he'd never stop. | |
|
copyright © Hazel Goodman 1987 - 2007 |
|