CASTLES
Once upon a distant time when days were long and free,
fairy tales and madrigals were shared on land and sea.
They spoke of simple pleasures, the far-off dreams of youth
that carried us on wings of hope to shining isles of truth.
We fought our dragons to the death and rescued maidens fair ;
romantic legends, strong and pure - those castles in the air.
Childhood has its memories, they linger in our mind -
images both far and near, that years can't leave behind.
Lofty hopes we built on dreams once helped us love each day
as special, rare and precious - a gift not thrown away.
The innocence and beauty we held within our hand
took flight before we knew it, from castles made of sand.
Now we face a different time and sense the tides of change
as though we saw from long ago a future bold, yet strange.
Inside our haunted castles we search to know just why
fantasies once held so dear have vanished in the sky.
Down each dusty corridor, traveling through the past
looking for that simpler time when wonder seemed to last.
And yet, with every detour fulfillment lags behind -
clinging to those memories just keeps our hearts confined.
A few brave knights and maidens have overcome the fear
that dragons of confusion now breathe in every ear.
They look toward a future where childhood has returned ;
where evil is defeated, and love alone is learned.
Painful is the process that changes what we know
from unfulfilled remembrance, to faith that helps us grow!
First Comments on This Poem:
Dec. 1997 - "..having every intention of taking a few seconds to glance at
your page, I never thought I would be there for 40 minutes. You have done
a fantastic job, and not being a large fan of poetry, it surprised me how much
I enjoyed yours. You have touched my heart today, and I thank you for that.
Keep up the great work,"-Belinda Cassidy { bmcas@tstonramp.com }
March 1998 -"..I loved reading "Castles", it did let my little child out to play..
I treasure moments when I can feel the innocence, and excitement of childhood..
Thank you for responding to my poetry "Sailing", it gave me a chance to read
yours." -Sandy in Time { Petalsoft2@aol.com }
Aug. 1998 - "..I still must tell you that your "Castles" and "Chosen Instrument"
are two of my very, very favorites, although "Earthday Reconsidered" runs
a close second." -Jean Gordons { dgordons@ionet.net }
July 1999 - "I was awestruck with the simple elegant beauty of your page.
I really enjoyed your work as well--especially "Castles", and "The hearts
of His Children." You have a unique talent to write works that are
seemingly from a simpler, more innocent time. I almost envy that.
Thank you for inviting me to view your work. It truly was the highlight
of my day." -Kathy Davis-Griswold { gris@triton.net }
Gnarly George McGee {My Madrigal Whimsy}
In days of old, the tale was told of Gnarly George McGee :
Few legends tell of men so well, who sailed the briny sea.
Varmint was his mascot ~ a faithful dog, and strong
who rescued George from dangers and many a siren song.
'Twas late in May, George sailed away one warm and sultry eve;
while on the shore, by one small door ~ Margarita watched him leave.
The hold was filled with brandy, loaded by starlight,
finding men was easy, but the cargo caused three fights.
With map in hand George took command, heading toward the west :
in search of gold, and treasures old to fill his great war~chest.
"Soldier of fortune", "Pirate", George had many names,
"Adventure" was his motto, his life a string of games.
The wind blew cold, and George grew old, by this ~ his final trip,
He gave a shout, when a waterspout drew nearby to the ship.
Bermuda was in sight now, but also in the mist,
the largest whirlpool ever swirled and moaned and hissed.
George gave up hope, and took a rope ~ securing Varmint near,
"Brandy for all !", they heard him call, on a ship now filled with fear,
They drank and sang and partied, the ship whirled 'round and 'round
until Adventure faded and settled to the ground.
In days of old, the tale was told of Gnarly George McGee...
