Casting Shadows

“Power resides only where men believe it resides….

…And ofttimes a very small man can cast a very large shadow.”

                      Spoken by Varys, Master of Whispers, to Tyrion Lannister, A Game of Thrones Book 2

Image: karen wyatt md blog/images67

Looked down upon and ridiculed from birth

by strangers and by family alike--

their wealth may purchase swords and power too;

yet they could ill explain the likes of you.

Survival hinges on resourceful mind--

you learned the power of words quite early on;

advantages of self-effacing charm;

how quickly clever anecdotes disarm.

Your father rules his kin with iron fist…

unbending--forcing each to play their part;

setting sights on who will win the game

and bring more glory to his family name.

But cleverness is ofttimes hidden deep;

one’s stature and appearance a disguise.

Through life of servitude and forced conformity,

you have survived despite your odd deformity.

Inside Kings Landing blood and incest reign,

but still perhaps the least may come to will rule--

while seven kingdoms fight for righteous king,

we watch this "shadow" hiding in the wing.

©  Ginny Brannan 2013

Tyrion Lannister is a dwarf born into a family of wealth and power. His mother died upon his birth, causing even family to despise him and see him as an outcast. Yet he is still a Lannister, and as such the name must be protected at all costs. Tyrion learned early on that though his height had limitations, his mind did not; and knowledge would be key to his survival. Seen as a fool by many due to his deformity, those on the sidelines of power know that he is much more than he appears to be. Tyrion proves that wit and knowledge can be a mighty allies, and that a small man might cast a large shadow, indeed.

Third poem inspired by George R.R. Martin's series "A Game of Thrones"

Find the first, "Daenery's Song" here.

Find the Second, "Beyond the Wall" here.