mp--excavate

Excavation at the Edge of Life

I have unearthed the castle
of an ancient soul
and studied it through eyes
of sleepless memory
Gray shadowed galleries
bright frescoed laughter
sepia with age and the weight of soil removed
I view this alien art
with deep misgivings

Distant echoes in rhythm
of ancient song
resound with acquired menace
through catacombs of innocent debris
defined by long-forgotten words
written with strokes from failed alphabets
replete with fear and loss of light
Hunters hover
beyond the fire.

battlements of mind assailed
by golden hordes of savage hope
who dare to ravage history's vault
in search of promised banquets
Berserk rage fails to achieve its end
disarmed by gentle stranger's eyes
life and love perceive a truth
moats are crossed
gates are breached.

Ó Deane P. Goodwin