CayCay Godwin Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Forts and Castles Contest

Forts and Castles

Hopes died knotted when dreams betrayed 
and my spirit lay prone in my marrow.
My heart watched love fray until failed.
No muscle of emotional strength left
was even tentatively dream linked.
Now, jailed in my mind-built fortress
are desires deceptively pieced parts
that once tingled my anticipation.
Morning to night, heartbreak guards my
fort’s locked cells where starvation
gives no salvation to dark false posing.
For years, I fell atop love bruising gravel
yet I stayed glitter and tackle saddled
seeking soulmate love on the horizons.
All love I thought breathed genuine 
was paradise deception had spliced.
For true love, I would have lived in a cabin,
dressed daily in inexpensive flannel
and felt no jealousy for those living
adorned in silk and loving in a castle.

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Craig Cornish October 30, 2025 at 6:40 AM Love your take on this CayCay--and I concur - screw the old, cold, musty castles - for me too, it would be a cozy fire in a loving cabin!

Terry Miller October 30, 2025 at 3:00 AM Using a fortress as a psychological strategy to consider how people cope with loss and whether such defenses are sustainable in the pursuit of meaningful relationships, brilliant, congratulations

Andrea Dietrich October 27, 2025 at 4:29 PM Congrats for making the list with your profound and worthy poem, Caycay. Crap, I didn't make it, and I was really fond of mine. haha. Well, I have a soupie for you. Hope you answer it and that we can talk soon . I don't think I have much going on tomorrow late afternoon or on Wednesday

Maclawrence Famuyiwa October 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM This is deep.

Abdullah Alhemaidy October 20, 2025 at 1:24 PM The last four lines of your deep poem are great! CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:39 PM Thank you so VERY much. CayCay

David Crandall October 19, 2025 at 3:26 PM a nice exploration of fortresses and castles in the search for love. a lot of us in prisons and fortresses, not really needing a castle. CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:40 PM Hey, you. A cool comment, David, and I'm glad to have it. Good to see you ... CayCay

Mickey Grubb October 19, 2025 at 12:32 PM CayCay, I see your piece as exploring how repeated emotional betrayal can lead to internal fortification and guardedness, yet the longing for true, unadorned love persists. It’s a lament for authenticity in a world of illusion--and a testament to the endurance of hope even in the face of deep wounds. You’ve crafted a powerful contest contender. Wishing you all the best! CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:37 PM I'm blown away, you nailed it Mickey, went right there, you did. How cool is that? I'm loving it. Thank you CayCay

Zyrool Gifford October 19, 2025 at 10:55 AM Hello CayCay, this is a very touching and heartfelt write. What wouldn’t we give for true love. Good luck with the contest, my friend. CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:42 PM I thank you, Zyrool, good to see you. Blessings ... CayCay

Andrea Dietrich October 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM I really loved his you worked castle into it at the end

Andrea Dietrich October 18, 2025 at 4:36 PM I wrote mine today too. As usual, I am very literal in my writing. Whereas you are able to find a really great free verse approach. Sure wish I could think more that way. I think this stands a good chance to place .

sara Etgen-Baker October 18, 2025 at 3:37 PM sadness, grief, and betrayal entined together in the symbolism of the castle in the last line....solid contest entry. CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:43 PM Thank you, Sara. CayCay

Paige Hind October 18, 2025 at 2:20 PM This is a very raw ending. Beautiful- all the best, CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:44 PM YOU ARE THE SWEETEST consistent reader on Soup, surely you should be Soup-wide acknowledged somehow, so giving. I thank you, Paige CayCay

Susan Ashley October 18, 2025 at 8:55 AM Dear CayCay, your poignant poem captures such a deep feeling of betrayal, loss and sadness. A soulful, mournful verse that deeply moves through the depths of my being to settle in to live and haunt my soul with your vivid melancholy. Your imagery on the poetic page is so effective that even the white space around your verse is in despair. I adore your poetic voice, my sweet poet friend. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:45 PM Susan, I love having your comments as you know, it's just so true. Thank you for reading and sharing. Blessings ... CayCay

Jeanette Swan October 18, 2025 at 6:15 AM The first person character reflection on dreams and love matches the romantic theme of forts and castles. I like the content-rich text and bubbles of alliteration and assonance. Fave phrases: hopes died knotted, watched love fray, love-bruising gravel, glitter and tackle saddled, paradise deception. And the sweet ending. J :) CayCay Godwin October 20, 2025 at 7:49 PM I enjoyed your comments very much. You talked about many different aspects in the poem which is helpful to all of us who write and enjoyable to me as a sharing 'conversation'. Your reading and sharing are appreciated. Thank you, CayCay