The Castle
Safe and sound, I stay in my castles walls
I put up motes, gates, and knights in my halls
I’m safe here, you see, nothing can touch me
For I have made my tower high to see
All the wonders and blights that are abound
Are but a whim to my worry around
I feel as if I’m invincible now
No need to be scared or even to frown
But yet... I know in my heart all too well
That my defense will soon fall to the bell
Ringing afar and calling my name out
Beckoning me to greet this fateful bout
My strong and sturdy walls are no match for
What still lies deep in my hearts basement floor
The darkness, the light, it all blends to one
No matter what I do, its still undone!
As the bell tolls louder, my walls weaken
The motes are dry, my tower no beacon
I want to stay, for this is my home here
Now it all crumbles, nothing left but fear!
Fleeing from my once strong castle in pain
I run into the wild, the dark rain
Like a madman from hell I burn to see
In the distance my home a flaming sea
And now, I hear that damned bell loud and clear
With my great castle, I let burn my fear!
I hope you’re ready, you unholy fiend!
For I bring a fight like you’ve never seen!
Death surrounds me at every step and stride
His icey hands clinching my strength and pride
I escape but the terrain is no hike!
Even these downhill steps seem mountain—like
After escaping death and the mountains
I came to field with a grand fountain
In the fountain I saw the water flow
Like blood on moonlight for it was aglow
As I neared the pool a lady appeared
To describe her, I can’t, for my eyes teared
I felt her grace, love, and beauty abound
She said “Come, follow me, I’ll show you 'round”
I’ve never been a trusting man, but I
In this moment felt no reason to cry
Or even the need to question her sight
So I took her hand and was lead to bright
Not just in light but spirit too, you know
The valley all round us gave such a glow
And in all of this I had forgotten
About my destination so rotten
“The bells...”, I asked, “...why have they stopped ringing?”
Her eyes stole my heart, while she now singing:
“Take a look around my friend, its all here.”
“The bells, the beast, and even your old fears,
They live and breathe here just the same as you.”
“You’ve all found me, and have bid your ado.”
“Now begins your true battle O’ brave one.”
“You must repent and see the truth undone.”
“Your monsters are no strangers to your soul.”
“Deep within they have all taken their toll.”
As her words harshly pulled at my hearts weight
I unknowingly released my old fate:
“The things that have haunted my memory
Were once my source of pride and amory.”
“But long ago I buried my life’s woe’s.
Hoping to end my battle with these foes.”
“The lies, the scandals, the loss of my Love
Rendered me dead, I couldn’t rise above.”
“But now, I feel a stirring from within.
I am yet again creating somethin’.
This time, there are no walls, no gates locked tight.”
For my heart has become a field of light."
My matron smiled with eyes like the sun.
“Your journey is just beginning, my son.”
The things that will be are a mystery.
But what’s been done, is great history.
(2011)
I am proud of this piece above all my other works because of it's length, tempo, and metaphors. I worked on this poem for about a month and couldn't seem to find a good ending. I'm not totally satisfied with it, for I would like to add on to it one day.
