FOR A WORLD THAT NEVER WAS

I draw the lines--I shade the mountains in.
I pick the blue and trace a river’s course.
I sketch the roads and trails to desert springs.
I place wide valleys and virgin forests.
I name walled cities for the ancient kings--
I map the world that they lived in.

I set stone castles in the hidden glens.
I plan the seasons and the merchants’ fairs.
I wed brave women to their gallant men.
I choose the weather and the clothes they wear.
I field great armies and watch wars begin--
I dream the songs the minstrels sing.

I say who loses and who gets to win.
I plot the futures for my characters.
I make their enemies and seek their friends.
I raze whole nations and free murderers.
I kill the villains and see justice done--
I am the one who writes "The End."
~~By D.C. Ice