The Dirge

By Vinu K Saji

I write, my friend, with a warning to all

What I've been through has taught me to share

I heard of a great treasure in the palace hall

Caution to the wind, I went without care

Curse my greed, I walked up to the door

Entered the palace with a torch in hand

Haunted, people said, was its walls and its floor

Steeped in darkness did the palace stand

In the passage, the windows did swing

The wind howled out a wail so bitter

The moonlight fell on the portrait of a king

With cruelty, his very eyes did glitter

In horror, I heard a dirge in fast pace

Looked around, saw the dead king stand

Sword in hand and a smile on his face

He plunged into me with his ironbrand

"Welcome" he said "to the palace of the king

Here the dead men's tales do stay

An eternal mournful dirge, we sing

To welcome the fool who goes astray"

I ran from him but I couldn't go ahead

I fell to the floor, and all was black

When I awoke, I saw to my dread

I had bled to death long, long back

My lifeless body lay where I could see

Under the portrait of the watchful king

He prowls the halls, now, looking for me

Eager to add me to his choir ring

Luckily, I found a paper and pen

Perhaps, my letter will find you, my friend

Women you should warn as well as men

Enter the palace and you'll meet your end

By Vinu K Saji