Too Late

The night would steal his love away 
across the bridge of the moon. 
He knew that it might try one day, 
But it has come that bit too soon. 

It cut itself a creature, 
From its own satanic cloth, 
And a rider plucked from Hades 
Did bestride this behemoth. 

Oh hear the sound 
Of pounded ground 
Beneath its fissured hooves! 

See the craven ravens 
Seeking highest high-up havens! 
And the dizzy weak-kneed witches 
Hiding timidly in ditches. 

The bats, the rats, 
The mice, the owls, 
The creatures that slink through the night; 
The foxes and stoats 
And blubbering toads, 
My, how he puts them to flight! 

Evil will fear greater evil, 
more than it fears good; 
And even the daemons and dusky elves 
Risk refuge under the Church’s rood. 

Oh hear the churning of crumbling earth, 
The turning helpless ravaged turf, 
The creaking croaking breaking trees, 
The rivers sprinting to the sea, 
The children crying, 
The weakened dying, 
And the distant hiss of burning hope. 

My prince, my prince, wake up, wake up! 
The gate is opened, the drawbridge down! 
Where is your armour, where your sword? 
The lady will give you just reward! 

The night has stolen his love away 
across the bridge of the moon. 
He knew that it might try one day, 
But it came that bit too soon.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

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Suzadail Jr. Avatar
December 15, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Well written Paul. Vince
James Avatar
September 18, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Thank you all for your comments - I feel encouraged!
Kendrick Avatar
September 13, 2009 at 11:42 AM
A story that draws one in and holds. Nice scary Halloween tale. Keep writing. Sara
Freeman Avatar
September 12, 2009 at 4:33 PM
Intriguing storys, good write, keep writing! Sincerely John Moses
Devonshire Avatar
September 12, 2009 at 1:46 PM
An amazing fantasy. I felt like I was watching a great movie. How sad that she died so soon. Excellent writing, Paul! I'd like to see more work like this. Love, Carolyn
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