The Princess of Shalott

The Princess of Shalott Inspired by The Lady of Shalott by John William Waterhouse Tucked in the overgrown forest Deep in the woods lies a castle Shaded by teeming pine trees. There the princess seeks freedom Tortured by lifeless brick towers Rejecting the murky skies. The princess had one visitor besides her captor. The visitor who opened her corroded windows and kissed her goodnight. His skin felt rough and sturdy, concealing the power beneath, jaw framing thin firm lips. His clothes habitually torn and worn, But his mind was continually on the future, of what he could become. He always admired the princess, as she had what he did not. She could coax any being with her riches, while radiating empathy and grace. Midday, he scaled the tower by rope to deliver his pressing message. “Cometh, meet me on the boat outside thine window tomorrow night. I has't something important to showest thou.” The princess arose from her gloomy daze, emerging into reality. The thought of venturing outside her home and betraying her captor clouding her mind. The visitor insisted, persisted. She peered into his rich green eyes, as he gently took her hand, smooth as the silk of her white dress. “I shall see you then, on the morrow, when the sun breaks the mirror of the wondrous lake.” The last rays of light lingered over the kingdom, yesterday melting into a harrowing summer night. The princess climbed down her tower into the bitter dread of night, treading then into the skiff. So she waited, as the three ivory candles were burned to gas, his tapestry, heavy with black water draped over the boat. Her face stained with distress, sweeping crimson locks enveloping her. The desire of reuniting with him rekindled every time her mind wandered elsewhere. Chilling the frost, wet and windy Gripping her damp soul and body, Distant she lies, naive newborn Down in his vessel still Waiting...