Poem: The Man and the Legend

prince among men 
known for his wisdom 
his unyielding justice 
his unwavering loyalty
his staunch principles 
a hero in the mists 
of a forgotten time
the bards keep
his legend alive
through song and story 
others try to mimic him 
invoke his mighty name
chain their questionable
legacies to his 
but they are pale imitations 
of the real figure 
who lived and breathed