shades of middle ages

the sun eclipses the hilltop
as i peer up at the castle
worried about the gossip
will the french come wrestle

i walk along the cobblestone
as winter settles in the valley
to work and glass to be blown
and turn down the dark alley

a pinch of bread and coffee
thats starts my busy day
the princess wants me to hurry
with a gift to be sent today

the boat loads its burden
like ants busy on the mound
eyes peer from the curtain
mysterious like a land unfound

looking out my small window
barrels roll down to the dock
to the pride of the castle below
filling the vast holder of stock

it is the pride of the palatine prince
to own the largest wine barrel
no larger has been made since
across europe its size is herald

back to my craft and my bench
to make dozens of toasting vessels
as the king passes off his wench
with a mane of long auburn tressels

task done and locked for the nite
off for a pint of pilsner 1603
the lights of the castle quite a site
on the neckar flowing by so free