New Document Author's Note: I just reread Pearls of Lutra, and I was struck by the death of Piknim. I don't think in any other of Brian Jacques novels was I struck so deeply by a death. I felt that she needed something more. When Cracklyn's describes of how she went about writing the poem, it is how I went about writing the poem. I only hope now that I did justice to that young mouse-maid and you, the reader. Please enjoy. This is my first attempt at fan-poetry.

Excerpt from the writings of Cracklyn, Recorder of Redwall Abbey

I had a dream last night. I dreamt of my friend Piknim. I have often thought of my friend over the season since she was taken away from us. I feel that I must say something now in these journals so creatures in the future can remember and honor her. When I first began to write the verses below I felt that I should lament her tragic death and mourn the loss of one so innocent and young. Then I felt that to pity her unduly would only do her a disservice. So instead, what follows is my humble attempt to honor my friend and her gift to the place she held so dear in her heart.

A young one has fallen,

A kind mouse-maid who

Spent but a few short seasons

Among us in life.

Sadly she was taken away,

Guilty only of the crime

Of wanting to help her fellow creatures.

Now young Piknim lies in rest,

Her journey at a sudden end.

Today her friends mourn her passing,

For no more will they see her smiling face

Or hear her gentle laughter.

Tomorrow, however, they will rejoice,

In having known such a wonderful beast,

Even if for only a small while.

The Tears of the Ocean,

Pink pearls stained red with the blood of many,

Claimed the life of this young one.

There can be no worse tragedy

Than the loss of one with such innocence.

But to claim she was the victim,

Of chance or circumstance,

Would insult the gift she gave.

For she gave her life

In a pursuit she saw noble,

To save the life of her friends.

To the end she was a woodlander,

To the end she was a Redwaller.

A warrior in her own way,

She will be missed by all

And forgotten by none.

Rest peacefully my friend,

Knowing your memory will live on.