John speaking at the Hall of Eternal Present to a congregation: “Notably, that castles draw much attention to their revelations—beautiful, attractive, abundant in history & stories—some as masterpieces in designs and features, some become touristic, some haunting sightings such as the Tower of London, many are converted into lodging houses, distinguished hotels, B&B inns and/or cozy restaurants. Others are just left abandoned in ruins … … …
AN OLD ABANDONED CASTLE
I revisit the old castle
all in ruins and rubbles
windows stained glass shattered
my entire being torn and tattered
The blooming fields had vanished
Solemnly gone, done, over, finished
A land deserted on dry weary plains
no monuments memorials, no grains
all forgotten, lifelessness surmounts
wooden tombstones over the mounts.
A drifty walk down the mossy steps
with a sinking feeling of ill concepts
I see an endless horizon way afore
recalling the once grand peopled shore
All that bright cheering crowd is no more.
I stagger up the bare and naked slope
how I had witnessed the insects eloped
a green tapestry in dotted spots of white
in grazing activities so heartened to write
imbued with a captivating pleasantry
enchantment by the delicate tapestry
I look to the slant down at the far end
to my amazement, a grieving to lend
to read the memories of my playmates,
at the headstones with bereaved dates.
Beyond, a collapsed etched stone wall
repositioned and shifted to a slanted fall
a convenient trough with yellow flowers
in half blooms, sprouting somber offers
swaying in the wind, golden butterflies
in retarded pollination, little hope of sly
I lay on the ground looking to a blue sky
with emotions that bring tears to my eyes
It then dawns on me how small I really am
giants surround me no matter where I am.
(Episode ends … the Series continues …)
——-
For I have Nothing
I am Nothing without You
Glory be—set Free.
——-
©Johnny J P Lee
26 March 2026
HAIBUN: Gogyoshiren35 + Haiku 5-7-5
IMAGES: Courtesy of Unsplash & JP Lee.
