The Stairway of The Great Hall
She waited patiently in her room for her lady
At last the message came that her entrance could be made
Dressed in her jewelled flowing gown she stood
Looking down the steps into the Great Hall
Where the tapestries hung from the walls
Knights on horseback from a battle scene
Recalling days from medieval times and crusades
A lady in her tent perhaps a queen
The lion and the unicorn at her sides
A fireplace where the logs were ablaze
The family crest above the mantle-piece
Deer heads staring down from the gallery
Where minstrels once would have played
Now a string quartet were waiting for their signal
Great chandeliers hung from ceiling beams
Candles flickering in the evening breeze
Where curtained windows revealed
Frames that had slowly shrunk over the years
A polished floor awaited her first steps
The Yuletide Ball to welcome the Snow Queen
She cast a glance to each side
Looking for the one she desired
They had played as children in the grounds
Her eyes now searched for the blonde hair
Then by the bay window she saw him there
With heart fluttering she descended the stair
Copyright: David Hopcroft December 2024
Park Bench Tales and other writings 