(A fictional lai, inspired by traditional structure and themes)
The moon hung high, a silver coin,
On velvet night, no earthly sound,
Save the rustling leaves, a mournful tune,
Whispering secrets, shadows bound.
A maiden fair, with hair like spun gold,
Wandered lost, in forest deep,
Her heart aflutter, a story untold,
Of a love that lay, in slumber asleep.
Then a shadow moved, a shape unseen,
A beast of darkness, eyes ablaze,
With a growl that echoed, fierce and keen,
The maiden trembled, filled with daze.
But the beast spoke, voice soft and low,
"Fear not, fair maiden, I mean no harm,
Lost are you, let me guide you, slow,
Through these woods, to safety, warm."
And the maiden, with a trembling heart,
Followed the beast, in fear and trust,
For his eyes held magic, a gentle art,
That soothed her fears, and turned to dust.
But as they walked, a chilling breeze,
Whispered tales of a monstrous form,
A werewolf, cursed, a hunter's prize,
A creature of night, in a tempestuous storm.
And the maiden, filled with sudden dread,
Turned to flee, but the beast held fast,
"Fear not, my love," the beast he said,
"For I am your shield, till danger past."
And they reached a clearing, bathed in light,
Where a cottage stood, welcoming and bright,
The maiden, safe, with a newfound might,
Looked at the beast, with love's pure light.
But as dawn broke, a chilling sight,
The beast lay slain, his form all torn,
And a hunter stood, with grim delight,
His victory won, the werewolf sworn.
The maiden wept, with tears of despair,
For the beast she loved, a monstrous foe,
But a whisper reached her, soft and rare,
"True love's embrace, will let you know,
That even in darkness, hope can grow."
And the maiden knew, with a heart of grace,
That love's true form, would never fade,
Though the beast was gone, from time and space,
His memory lived, in a love unmade.