The Recluse King

See the flowers bloom

If I walk lighter after leaving,

I have misplaced part of my soul.

If I have come out changed,

It is because you left some of yours with me.

I thought I loved you not:

That it was desperate lust or loneliness,

Lacking at the last.

Now my mind burns to think of you.

How did you breach the walls?

With catapults, explosives, or spies?

For once I was a great fortress,

With iron gates and barred windows.

No one entered.

Even birds and flies were shot down by trained archers.

Now my archers are in the infirmary,

And smoke billows from the keep.

The gate is cracked and I smell roses.

I feel the sunlight on my skin.

What would people say

If the recluse king left their city?

Would I be an escaped convict,

Shrinking and hiding from the law?

Or would I be free?

If my head hangs heavier now,

It is filled with thoughts of you.

If my feet walk straighter now,

It is because you guided them.

I just remembered:

The rest of my soul- I left it in your bed.

If you find it, please call me,

So we can talk on the other side.

Author's Note

This poem is Part Two of a two-part story. The first part was posted just before it.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

I am reminded of my first ex and the years after her. I pretty much felt all the lines in this I lived.
I was a recluse king...no castle or moat literally.
but it felt like I was hold up in one...and those gator feelings I had would not let anyone pass
to my heart.
j.

[Earthrise]

Sorry to hear this, J. I hope the gators have moved on to better waters and you've been able to heal.

[James Cooper T.]

It reminds me of how I distanced myself from people to avoid romance, but now someone suddenly tries to attach herself to me. I am but an onion, yet someone peeled. I hurt and made them cry before they can penetrate this soul of mine.

[Vertigo Cat1111]

This is amazing- brimming with beauty, I think this is one of your best pieces I’ve read, probably my favorite. The way it ties up Part One, and plays into it. The lines are so great and it’s so hard to pick a favorite stanza. ‘If my head hangs heavier now, it is filled with thoughts of you.’ I have to say, that theme through out is ingenious. It adds on just how important this person is, how much it’s changed them through each line. I loved this and can’t wait to read more. Thank you for sharing.

[Earthrise]

I'm so glad this one connected with you. I was honestly afraid it wouldn't be a great conclusion. Thank you for the reassurance.