Two-Headed Rose

(for Adrielle and Rustique)

Whenever I see these Queens

who ruled so well

between them—regal, royal—

and giving so completely,

laughing with joy, and working

together, with their Order, or alone,

it would take little to melt my heart!

For when, because of them, I remember

the courts they held when Crowned,

the people inspired,

the thrones secure.

These two, my kind friends,

are near. For them I rejoice so deeply

it would take little to melt my heart!

So my heart expands

with happiness.

It swells with pride

when remembering their deeds—

they who reigned so well.

They who inspire me still

it would take little to melt my heart.

Roses, I cannot keep silent

about your gracious deeds

giving all to your people—

it would take little to melt my heart.

(based on Quant je voy ces amoureux: Aultres Balades by Christine de Pizan (ca. 1365—ca. 1430) as trans. in The Writings of Medieval Women: An Anthology, 2nd ed., by Marcelle Thiébaux

For Ron and Rusti

Colyne Stewart, July AS XXXVII (2003)

A quiet couple almost unknown to me

Walked and bowed before the King

Amidst fluttering flags and boastful Heralds

That spring day in Ardchreag.

Clasping hands Rustique the Serving

Watched as Aaron strapped on armour

And stepped out onto the Lists of Honour

Hours passed as worthy gentles battled on to prove their worth and loyalty

To Lupine Crown and Northron Land

In the end two brave fighters took the field

And flurried blows flew

Sword on sword and shield on shield

Then a pause, blows struck discussed and

One falls, leaving Aaron standing, sweating.

Rustique and Aaron then made Heirs

Traveled widely, spreading joy

Inspiring all in ways of War and of Peace.

Aaron showed me how to dies in the shieldwall

And Rustique’s hand signed charter for my Guild.

Others I saw also inspired by them

Fighters, sailors, artisans and bards.

In Greyfells Rustique confronted Knights

And conjured forth her Prince of Frogs

Then they wore the Lupine Crowns

King Aaron Preslee, Queen Rustique de Sorde

Who strode with pride and honour

Past we on bended knee

Born of common folk, now Royal,

Noble brows creased with concern

And mouths curved to smiles.

And in rare moments when concerns of State did not press

They sat with us

Rustique, on floor, playing with children

Aaron, with feet on table

Caught in moments of relaxation

That made us love them even more.

Duties done, now Jarl and Countess

Have new duties, ungrudgingly performed.

And if they grace again our Thrones

Fealty will I swear to them

Two true Lights of the North.