Merlin the Wiz Kid

410 AD when mythology takes hold
Barbarians threaten to conquer Rome
Roman troops abandon Britain, head home
But Chieftain Vortigern seizes the throne

Britain’s new king sought to flex his power
Mt. Snowden’s site chosen for his tower
But before Vortigern builders cowered
Ever-crumbling walls left his face sour

Soothsayers were beckoned and wove a tale
A fatherless boy must be brought to Wales
His blood be shed and his future curtailed
If hopes for the tower were to prevail

A princess was said to have spawned an heir
Whose father had simply vanished in air
Leaving the single mother in despair
And the ghost’s voice she still heard she declared

Her son Merlin was brought before the king
Vortigern scowled when he began laughing
Merlin said ‘neath the tower lay a spring
That’s why its unsettled walls kept crumbling

He claimed serpents were below ground as well
The king quickly fell under the boy’s spell
Diggers found both as the lad did foretell
Merlin’s life spared, his reputation swelled

To escape wrath from a king with clout
The tower’s real problem this boy figured out
The “magician” name he could do without
But a sharp wiz kid was Merlin, no doubt



*Friends, I did extensive research on Merlin 
and this is what I learned.  Is the story true? 
 Yes, to the best of my knowledge.  
Vortigern was a true character and this is 
allegedly how he discovered Merlin.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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12
Horne Avatar
August 16, 2011 at 2:11 PM
Lovely informative piece, Carolyn. I love reading about Arthur and Merlin, but I've certainly learnt a thing or two here!
Brown Avatar
March 7, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Congratulations on your winning poem in Debbie Guzzi's contest Carolyn. Love, Carol
Mannan Avatar
March 6, 2011 at 4:45 AM
I loved this awesome tale Carolyn. You have beautifully penned it. Many congrats.
Horsman Avatar
March 4, 2011 at 11:16 PM
congrats Carolyn, excellent as always, if i didn't know, i'd swear you were from the old country, i see from the comments "Magic" seems to be the buzz word for this, i would have to agree with that, Magic sheer Magic. Harry
Frayer Avatar
March 4, 2011 at 1:15 PM
I always loved merlin, fine write for the contest I wish you all the best and many more wins luv ~Virginia
Puddifoot Avatar
March 4, 2011 at 11:39 AM
congratulations on your win with this well written piece Carolyn!
Inka Avatar
March 4, 2011 at 10:10 AM
Wow, Great write. Merlin's Tale has been told in many ways, He's one of my favorite characters , and you did him justice with this fine piece.
Johnson Avatar
March 4, 2011 at 8:35 AM
Thanks for your research Carolyn. Real or not, Merlin is a fascinating character. Congratulations on your win. Love, joyce
Joseph Avatar
January 1, 2011 at 10:55 AM
mystical poem for the new year.
Fraser Avatar
December 31, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Kool capture on the story of Merlin Carolyn. The stories of him have sure made for great movies....:)
Dietrich Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 9:19 PM
glad to hear of the research you did for this one. Made it sound all the more impressive, Carolyn!
Kendrick Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 11:27 AM
Well, don't know if this is from history or if it is about the wizard Merlin that is in the tales that youth are reading now..Interesting work though..I am glad that I stoppped this afternoon..Your presence at my work was a blessing..Sara
Beck Avatar
December 30, 2010 at 7:36 AM
I didn't know Merlin & Co were in any way real historical figures.....but I enjoyed this learnin g experience....well done on your win Carolyn...you are a gifted poet.....sincerely Syd
Dietrich Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 8:55 PM
So was this in the original legend, Carolyn or did you use your creative mind to produce it? I had not heard of this part of the legend! Great telling of it, Carolyn. and congratulations on your great win! Luv, Andrea
Skyles-Theoklapoet Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 2:33 PM
This was a terrific read and a well deserved win Carolyn.Have a wonderful and Happy New Year.Luv your friend Teresa
Anish Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 12:44 PM
Do you know the song by the Moody Blues - "Are You sitting Comfortably? It is about "Merlin"and the lyrics read"Are you sitting comfortably? Let Merlin cast his spell". Nice bit of history in you poem. Look foward to getting your book. Yours Matthew Anish
Brown Avatar
December 29, 2010 at 4:26 AM
Congratulations Carolyn on your win in Paula Swanson's "Just Poetry" contest. Love, Carol
Villarosa Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 10:08 PM
So interesting to read the legends and myths about Merlin. Very unique to tell it literary. Congratulations, Carolyn on your 3rd place win. (^_^) Noel.
Penton-Leccese Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 7:55 PM
You never cease to amaze me. I love history as I told you before. This one was "spell" binding. Lots of pictures went through my mind as I read it. A beautiful piece. Lots of Love, ~Misty~
Mannan Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Just beautiful. Many congratulations for this win.
Rucker Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 6:53 PM
TOTALLY MAGICAL! I loved it!
Kershaw Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 3:36 PM
Carolyn, Congratulations on your well deserved win. I dunno about magigicians but I do believe in magic. Enjoyed this one to the max. Love, Will
Falotico Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 1:53 PM
Congrats on your win!!! promise to catch up on your work been busy working through our Blizzard here in NY...love Michael
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 1:42 PM
Congratulations on your 3rd place win! I loved this the first time I read it. Great job! Way to go! Lovingly, Dane Ann
Neels Avatar
December 28, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Carolyn, super congratulations on your win in the contest.. Blessings to you, love Wilma
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