Up and Down the Hill

She, the queen of glamour, they say, Loves making things flow her way. Fortunate she was, having earned A prince as he, so delectable, Amidst the beauty of hills, He made her, the dream castle. As lovingly, She delivered to him once, "O dear, the castle be a heaven of light" " I promise dear " he said " there be as Much windows as much you may cite " Down the hill, beside the river, Lived there with her man, a pauper. Little penny to spend, Boundless love to shower, There stood no castle but a tiny Hut Built of love and care. The hills overshadowed their tiny palace, Wasn't overwhelming enough To darken their little world of solace. Up the hill, the queen overjoyed, roamed All over her heaven, but dropped Her smile the moment she was aware, Her cabin wasn't bright enough as Her prince charming's word of honour. Disheartened, she walked down the hill. The pauper was admiring herself In the reflection of the river, Until she caught the sight of the elegant Lady standing over there . Her dress was fine and glamorous, The pauper was humbled by her Own gown with dirt patches all over. "Where are you from o beautiful lass?" "I am from there young lady", The queen Pointed to her palace. Astonished as the pauper was At the huge sight she witnessed, Her hut felt nothing more than A pile of wood and thatch. Said the pauper, "welcome to my Shanty", Stepping her elegant steps in, the Queen uttered," why so gloomy and shivery " Smiled the pauper, " love is warm and cozy" The queen was humbled by Such words of her's so canny. "Let me walk you through my home", The Queen willingly welcomed. The pauper was astounded At the sight of the huge castle hall The illumination, the chandelier, The warmth, She did witness never. Dispirited, the pauper returned back home, Her man worried, where her smile has gone? Up the hill, the Queen wondered How ungracious she was being, Didn't value the treasures, she was blessed, The moment her prince charming walked in, She wrapped him in a warm embrace. Down the hill, the pauper spent nights, With sight of the huge bright Castle, still fresh in her mind. One such night she was asleep, When she hears sounds outside her cabin. Curious, she stepped out in the frost, Her man laboured hard, covered in snow. She worried " O dear, why inflict upon you Such pain in the freezing cold?" Gently pulling her in, he kissed her hands, " My world, I shall build you a new Home, warm with bed of coals" kissing her eyes , he tucked her hair behind Her ear "Your forever smile my dear, I desire" Her blessed eyes couldn't help but shed tears. What bliss was she in search for? For her, her boon stood there, before. Sponsor - Hilo Poet Contest Name - Metrical Tale Date - 12th January, 2023