Ode to the East

This piece has a somewhat unusual genesis. On November 15, 2008 the family went to an event in Albany (Concordia). Ordinarily this event had a bardic competition, but unbeknownst to me, the bardic competition had been switched to another event (several years back, in fact, which just goes to show you how little attention I pay to these things). We went with the kids, and the event was quite a lot of fun. In the middle of it, they announced a poetry competition: 16 lines or less, on the theme of “The East Kingdom” or “the Barony of Concordia.” I figured, what the heck, I could try my hand at improv. After all, I'd only been in an improv troupe for eight years...

In any case, I wrote the following in about half an hour and, rather to my surprise, I won (it was a popular vote). The person designated to read the poetry (so that the actual author could not be identified) commented to me that he knew it was mine, as soon as he got to a certain line...I'll let the reader guess which line that is. I'd like to think that it's also because it contains a rather constant message of mine: strength through diversity of opinions. We might not agree, but as long as we can disagree without rancor, we are better for it.

As I wrote it, I'll admit that I was consciously thinking in terms of a song (Dargason, in fact), and trying to use some of my own rules. In particular, I followed the Asimov principle: non-fiction is easier to write than fiction, and so quite a few lines came from simple facts (so the listener gets a little geography lesson, among other things).

The Known World spans so many lands With acting troupes and martial bands But none can claim to be so fair As this, our Eastern Realm so rare. From Ostgard's spires to Panther Vale And Malagentia's lobster tail, Beyond the Mountains, `Cross the Sea (Though Drachenwald we've long set free) Sometimes we quarrel, sometimes fall Some names we'd want not hear at all. But strength is often born from strife. From our despair we've gained new life. When others say where they retire As Canton, Barony, or Shire Remember this, to great and least Say proud and firm you're from the East.

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