THE CASTLE.

Still remember that day.
It was long before dawn.
Into that river figuring a way.
I Was standing on a stone.

On smooth lofty waters.
Boats gracefully floating.
Some wrecks suggesting dangers.
Underneath, unseen currents lurking.

Couldn’t help but blithely gloat.
The river I was about to enter.
Solid my boat would easily go afloat.
When surged a strange creature.

I looked at her radiant face, gawked.
A panacea her sweet words furnished.
The river’s beauty she artfully mocked.
The castle, I was cunningly blandished.

Wrinkled faces, chilly old forest fleers.
Back to the castle seeking joyance.
Leaving behind everyday life nadirs.
Among youth trying a new nascence.

Over their shoulders easing their fears.
Their creatures to their needs seeing.
Soothing solace supplying cheers.
I wonder why they were that ugly looking !

Still young to join them I was told.
To the heart of the palace I was led.
My creature of my hand taking hold.
There, all my fancies would be fed.

On the ground blossoming roses strewed.
Withered, now slowly silently perishing.
My enquiring looks my creature eluded.
More hue roses she wanted me searing.

There armed with the sword of ignorance.
Sinless roses I went on up smelling.
Enticing, drying up then, wizened, forsaking.
My creature, contented, more and more shining.

In such pleasure for years myself indulging.
One day for a Rose I wholly fell.
My creature no longer simpering.
Irked, she gave an eldritch yell.

Now, she was so horrible- looking.
Off the castle I went out running.