Once upon a time in my teenage lovestruck years (methinks it was 1996 or even 1992!), my best friend Sariah sent me this poem in the mail on Leap Day. I tucked it away in a file (my mother made me file all my papers as part of my Personal Progress), and carried it around with me to college, marriage, India, and back to America again. Today I dug it out of the garage for your reading pleasure. Happy Leap Day!
Hey my Pals—come forth to listen here.
I'm 'bout to tell a tale heard on each fourth year.
You've heard of Valentine, Patrick and other saints held dear,
Responded with eyes a-wonder to legends of nymphs and reindeer;
But, none creates such wonder when lands upon the ear
As the one never told but only each fourth year.
In a land distant from all that's near,
Lived a frog herewith called Lanceleer.
Truth be told—his name differs from that which does appear,
But for Rhyme's sake; to soothe the ear—
Names were changed, but the fable remains clear.
In moons gone by lived the family of King Leer.
(Do not mistake—he's of no relation to the famed of Shakespeare)
He'd a stunning castle with gardens on tier.
Alongside ran rivers lapped up by gold deer.
His kingdom was no different than those 'round here:
The peasants labored in constant good cheer,
Students anguished to choose a career,
And fair maidens dreamed of a brave brigadier.
To all who viewed, peaceful and joyous the lands did appear,
But resided among them one frog full of fear.
Had fallen to his heart a blow as 'twere by a spear
When over the palace wall he did peer.
For stood before his smitten eyes sat a fair frogess on the pier.
Instantly her royal soul to his did endear,
And through our hero passion did sear.
Hence from present course his life he'd steer.
No more the simple tailor for career.
Now endeavored he to prove cavalier.
Such noble actions pursued for a princess held dear.
Paralleled he of old who sought Lady Gwenevere.
Through many dragon lairs he did shear.
His discoveries of gold were all but mere.
The village came to adore the great frog Lanceleer.
But, despite his grand deeds he continued in fear
That if his beauty of his love did hear
He might receive an unkindly jeer
That said, "I am royal; You belong nowhere near."
Truth is, our lady, enamored of Lanceleer
Spent numerous nights wiping a tear.
She'd pass the day shoo-ing suitors so queer,
Adn lament her love who never drew near.
So, misery abounded—unconfessed love for the fear.
What pain this story must give you to hear.
To me—the same, for my life it does mirr'r.
Though courageous and noble, this love caused him fear.
In constant remorse o'er the bricks he'd peer
In hope that his cherished would near.
But you and I know life shan't be passed in such drear.
And many a day our frog knight would tear
For the void of his beloved held dear.
Not only noble, but wise—Frog hopped from the pier
And ventured forth to seek 'nother sphere.
He departed the land to search for some cheer
In hope of losing the mem'ry so clear.
But, Alas! Poor lad—he's wondered there and here,
His deep passion silenced by foolish fear.
Now this sorrowful tale has brought us this year—
A day stapled to February's rear
When lovers all pause and strain the ear
For distantly sings to all who'll hear,
A serenade to the b'loved of Sir Lanceleer.
Now my friends, the day so tragic is here.
Did you learn the lesson so clear?
Confess your love regardless of fear,
And you will win the prince you hold dear.
