Rubbing the tear-streaked pane,
I peer through the window clearly,
The landscape beckoning me to leave my fortress.

I returned embattled just yesterday,
Injured by my most trusted ally,
Wounds still fresh keeping me from pondering denial.

Temptation urges me to bolt the shutters,
And remain within safe towers,
To shed concern over the next friend-turned-foe.

But Seclusion was not the purpose,
For which I have been sanctioned,
And to do so would render my victories for naught.

Three years I have been on this quest,
In search of True Love's prize,
But today I struggle to believe in its existence.

I honored my duty and began my watch,
Staring through these clouded portals,
Observing a figure approaching the gates.

In the distance it sounded like singing,
I strained to hear her tones so sweet,
Until she drew nearer and her words captivated me.

Listening to her song,
I realized she was singing to me,
Proclaiming True Love's arrival draws near.

Acceptance of her message,
Was slow on my weary heart,
But I listened until I surrendered my doubts.

Alas! Life began to fill my soul,
And my heart accompanied Love's song,
Giving healing to my wounds and courage to seek Love's source.

Wandering through the gates,
Love was waiting there for to meet,
Where I saw your beauty and took your hands in mine.

Love surrounded us and filled us with its song,
"Your hearts are the prize of the quests made together,
Life comes from love, and love is forever."



-BCJ, 30 May 2008