The Castle of Truth.

Deep within a vast forest of evergreens and coniferous trees

with wild berry bushes and honey bee families.

In the months of spring and summer

when the foliage of the forest is full and lush.

I discovered a castle swathed in the scent

of lavender, lilacs and lilies.

Over and under the battlement walls

sweet ivy crawled and climbed bedecking it’s halls.

Broken pieces of mortar lay strewn on the ground

amid the foxglove flowers growing all around.

The Tower was tumbled and worn.

My love is gone from whom I was torn.

A mystic force pulses throughout, he fears my love, he doubts.

For the cruelty of past loves wrongs, he sings a broken forlorn song.

My prince is cursed, his heart torn out of place,

pulled from my loving embrace.

His heart I will mend, his love I will seal,

his wounds will heal.

Courage of heart I must find, patience must fill my mind

for Love’s scars are slow to mend.

Great blessing of fate, he summons me, return to his side.

My passion for him I must hide.

I come forlorn for he is changed, a vampire in his place is feigned.

He is a prince I cannot fight but kiss his lips refuse his bite.

The demon must be a man once more,

so I walked in and I closed the door.

He can be healed my heart holds true

hope stands fast until the storm is through.

For love is all it takes to set him free

and let him be a prince once more.

-Kimberly Mattingly