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A Daisy Tale
by Adam James Pankratz
Once upon a time, but
a lot closer to the present then you might think, there lived a traveling fool.
Now, this fool fancied himself somewhat of a bard, boisterously bellowing his
tales to any ear that was near.
From inn to inn,
workhouse to stable, and tavern to pub the fool did go, singing songs of
silliness to the masses, hoping to bring a chuckle to the downtrodden and
weary. Ever so often, this feat was accomplished and soon the fool became known
across the lands.Time’s sands flowed
and the fool found himself performing at a workhouse known as The Eagle’s Nest.
Now the fool had also been likened somewhat of a flirt, winking at the maidens
fair (and also those not considered to be). However, his heart was true and all
he ever wanted was a smile, so the maidens, young and old, thin and round, kept
their virtue, and the fool retained his pride.On a warm fateful day,
the fool reclined in his chair, weaving tales to those around, breaking away
from the day’s toil, when in walked the fairest of the fair. Now, the fool had
been telling tales for many moons and rarely stuttered, but as I said – fairest
of the fair.The fool could not
continue his tale and asked those around, “Who is this flower I see before me?”An old laborer nearby
leaned in close to the fool and whispered into his ear, “A flower indeed! You
have laid eyes upon Princess Daisy.”Lords and ladies and
many of men – the fool had sang before all sorts with never a care nor worry.
But, beauty baffles and the fool felt fear as he approached the princess. Now,
an ivory smile she offered and into her eyes the fool gazed, seeing only a
tender soul. Like a kernel, the fool’s fear popped away. A chat ensued.The Eagle’s Nest could
be found in a town where all pitched in their share, even though some did not
take this to heart and trudged through the day. Because of this, the Princess
had little time to talk and had to excuse herself from the fool day after day,
after being sure to spend at least a twinkling of an eye with the minstrel.
These precious moments were tucked away in the fool’s heart and replayed
whenever he needed a smile.Soon the neighboring
fair from the valley came to town and all were granted a day of enjoyment away
from the workhouse. The fool anticipated the day like none other, for at last,
he and Daisy, who promised to walk by his side from sunrise to set, would have
more than fleeting moments to experience one another.Now, Fate can be
cruel, and both Daisy and the fool knew that he would soon be leaving to
continue his travels. On the day of the fair, serious sickness fell upon the
Princess, confining her to rest alone in her room.Sadness filled the
fool’s heart and he ran through the Fields of Woe, crying to the mountains and
the rivers and the sky, “Why have you dealt me this blow? What cruel fate you
have bestowed upon I!”Now, the Creator heard
the fool’s cries of grief and called down to him, “What a selfish sot you can
be! You worry about your own relief as the maiden fair lays down in agony?”"No, my Lord. I have been mistaken; I will not
lie. My one concern is for precious Daisy. Whatever is my fate, please do not
let her die!”The Creator smiled
down upon the bard and sent a soothing breeze. “A foolish fool if ever there
was. The time is not right – move on, move on. This is but a test. For darkness
cannot hide the light, and soon her sickness will be gone.”The fool bowed down
low, thanking the Maker for his mercy. Before his bags were packed, the fool
sent wishes of comfort to the Princess. “Trials are here, and soon, I will be
gone. But your light has shown me hope. If ever our paths are crossed again, I
pray for time to sing you my song.”With this, the fool
left town to gather more stories, knowing full well that the Princess Daisy
would recover.Fin
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