~ The Stones Remember ~

Far within these cold, stone walls,

lies the spirit of the Keep.

Mortar mixed with blood and sweat,

the foundations buried deep.

The stones remember battles fought

and won, and kings on noble steeds.

They also recall Dark Ages past,

filled with both great and awful deeds.

Wild grass grows now between the ruins--

the crumbled, tumbled rocks.

Guarded by ghosts and memories,

there is no need for locks.

The once mighty walls have fallen low,

relenting to the hand of Time.

The wind mourns through the jagged

cracks, that only the insects find.

A sense of ancient ways surrounds

the ramparts, tall and steep.

The codes and credos still reside

with the spirit of the Keep.

It still has strength of purpose,

though now, it is only a shell.

The craftsmen who built this ode

to defense, made sure they built it well!

Though crumbling from years of disuse and age,

though empty, forgotten, it stands,

the stones remember all

who have passed this way,

and felt their strength with their hands.

When worn to dust this place will be,

when the sun is only an ember,

when shadows abound on empty ground,

the stones will still remember...

~ C.L.R. ~ © 2003