A Requiem {the Castle} Poem by John Lars Zwerenz

A REQUIEM

There was once a castle, perched high upon a mountain,
Which towered over a courtyard's fountain.
And when the cryptic moon rose, demons made their ghastly claims.
For no lights were ever seen to glow
From the withered square or any window,
Except for two candles' dimly lit flames,
Held by hands cold, pale and dead,
Two lovers tried to summon up the past.
(The night alone heard the words they said.)
"Do you love me still? " -
"Why do you ask? "
"Let us drink to our old bliss from this flask,
And let our first kiss once more thrill! "

Yet down the silent corridor, the raven, hallow hall,
Into the blackness she slowly walked away,
Caring for no one and nothing at all,
Neither for the sunshine nor the morning lark,
She vanished into the mortal dark -
Never to see the light of day.

JOHN LARS ZWERENZ