This piece was performed as one of my three entries in the 2011 LyonBard competition, at Lyondemere/Gyldenholt Yule.

The song was written by Mistress Fiana of Clare, a singer, writer and storyteller currently residing in Meridies.  Originally from the Barony Beyond the Mountain in the East Kingdom, which borders my home barony of Bergental, Mistress Fiana earned her Laurel in Poetry and Bardic Arts and has twice been the Queen’s Bard of the East. I perform the song today with her permission.

Mistress Fiana’s recording – Virtual Bardic Circle

Full Documentation from LyonBard Competition

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Gawain’s Lament
by Mistress Fiana of Clare

A year and day were my reprieve,
They’ve passed me quickly by,
So now of host I take my leave,
And go where I must die.

For striking off another’s head,
My head shall soon be struck,
I made the blow in royal stead,
And do not curse my luck.

The talisman here by my side,
Inspires little trust,
My hope and faith in God abide,
As I do what I must.

But though God loved His only son,
He sent Him death to bear,
His Grace He’ll grant when life is done,
And life He will not spare.

A year and day were my reprieve,
But death awaits nearby,
So now of life I take my leave,
And go alone to die.