Castle By the Sea

There stands a desolate castle on England's venerable shore,
That once sheltered a royal line that ruled its sprawling realm.
Now, according to local lore, eerie things are seen and heard,
In that castle by the sea, in that haunted castle by the sea!

On blustery nights a spectral sentry is seen pacing its towers.
Clad in mail, armed with lance, he's heard to herald the hours.
His disembodied voice is heard e'en o'er the raging storm,
Atop that castle by the sea, atop that haunted castle by the sea!

On stormy nights as thunder crashes and the savage gale shrieks,
Lightning illumes a princess wraith, tears coursing down her cheeks,
As she waves to her handsome prince who goes forth into battle,
In that castle by the sea, in that haunted castle by the sea!

On moonlit nights a phantom hearse drawn by six ebon steeds,
Trailed by ghostly figures intoning haunting dirges is often seen.
As drifting clouds overshadow the moon, it fades from view,
Nigh that castle by the sea, nigh that haunted castle by the sea!

If only those barren, lichen covered walls could only speak,
But, alas, they now stand forlorn, eternally mute and bleak.
The haunting secrets they might reveal are forever buried,
In that castle by the sea, in that haunted castle by the sea!

Robert L. Hinshaw, CMSgt, USAF, Retired
© All Rights Reserved

Honorable Mention in Debbie Guzzi's "Jack OUT Of The Box" Contest - Jun 2011
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Onclaud Avatar
June 3, 2011 at 8:48 AM
climbing the heights of ballad here, robert! happy congrats.:) huggs
Mehta Avatar
June 3, 2011 at 5:32 AM
My congratulations on the win in the contest of deb, Bob
Brown Avatar
June 3, 2011 at 5:21 AM
Congratulations on your win in Debbie's "Jack Out Of Box" contest BOB. Love, Carol
K. Avatar
June 2, 2011 at 10:43 PM
Wow! What a very haunting and also gripping write, Bob-- I can just imagine this one-- really enjoyed reading this -- Super congrats on your win with this ballad :)
Johnson Avatar
June 2, 2011 at 5:59 PM
A wonderful poem in one of my favorite forms. Congratulations Robert. Love, Joyce
Villanueva Avatar
June 2, 2011 at 5:13 PM
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! For the honorable mention..deserved... ***junjun
Sweetheart Avatar
June 2, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Congrats Bob on your HM in Debbie's contest with this wonderful write my friend.. enjoy your special honor with luv..for excellent poetry ..new form.. u did so well..
Taylor Avatar
May 25, 2011 at 8:07 PM
First-Class entry, my friend. Excellent piece. Good luck. Ralphie
Zzzzz Avatar
May 23, 2011 at 11:35 AM
A dark tale, well told. Hope it fares well in the contest! Greetings from one Robert to another!
Devonshire Avatar
May 21, 2011 at 3:47 PM
Wow, Bob, always wanted to see a haunted English castle and now I feel like I have. Awesome images of the ghost and the "phantom hearse." Definitely a poem for my favorites. Hope you take the top spot in Deb's contest! Love, Carolyn
Fiery Avatar
May 21, 2011 at 11:25 AM
All the best for the contest ! No doubt this is a magnificent piece...kindly grace ur time Robert !
Sweetheart Avatar
May 20, 2011 at 10:16 PM
What a terrific suspenseful and intriguing write Bob .. u sure stepped out of the box with this one luv.. good luck with this one.. great descriptions.. I especially like the moonlit night and phantom hearse.. my kinda spooky ...boo..
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace