The Shadow King

By the mists
Of a distant shore
A fortress sits
Casting shadows
Upon the crashing waves.

Impenetrable
A strong hold
Protected against onslaught
On all four sides

Inside
A quiet hush
Where once there was laughter
Rooms filled with treasure abound
Untouched for lifetimes
By human hand.

In a great hall
Sitting alone
An ancient ruler
Holds his head in his hands
Surrounded by wealth
Bolstered by conquests
His heart is empty

Staring out an opened window
He spies the sails of a distant ship
Sailing on a choppy sea
It hints of magnificent journeys
And calls to him
with beating drums.

He listens,
But doesn’t hear
The whispers of dreams
long sleeping.
Words to music he has forgotten,
Songs that could awaken a soul.

Fear has made this castle a prison,
And no man finds solace,
Ruling a dominion without warmth.