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Friday 11 March 2016

THE CORFE CASTLE GHOST



The Corfe Castle ghost is a subtle ghost,
is a victim of King John;
is a ghost of the silent hours
when the tourists have all gone.

The Corfe Castle ghost was a French Knight,
is a ghost of centuries past;
is an echo of  royal ruthlessness
whose shadow is still cast.

The Corfe Castle ghost is a ghost of trauma,
is a soul in darkness trapped
in the dungeon beneath this ruined tower
where in anguish he's still wrapped.



Upon gazing through an arrow slit
I could see the spiral stair
down which he made his final journey -
ouch...it gave me such a scare!



Then just for an instant he became I -
oh grim hopeless and despair
of knowing I'd never once more see the sun
nor breathe again God's clean air.

No, instead I survived on stagnant urine
and the depths of degradation plumbed
along with twenty-one fellow countrymen,
until one-by-one we succumbed

to starvation's savage desperation
that turned us cannibalistic...
but at the end I believed I was back in France,
enjoying fine wine and a picnic.

26 comments:

  1. An oh so sad story but very well told Ygraine. Loved seeing these photos too. What tales those walls could tell, eh?

    Hugs to you and hope you have a wonderful weekend. I wrote a reply to your comment at MRLR, hope it brings a smile to your day, when you have time to stop by again. Treats are GOOD!!! ;-)

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    1. Gosh, yes...I'm absolutely fascinated with old ruins...so many stories locked up in their crumbling walls...endlessly waiting to be heard!:)

      Certainly did bring a smile to my face, Geraldine...treats...yes...can't be beaten, can they?!

      Hope your weekend was a good one too!

      Lots of Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  2. Fantastic writing and gorgeous photos, dear Ygraine...I so love visiting your blog.
    I had chills up and down my spine just imagining what it would feel like to be locked away in a dungeon surrounded in darkness and cold stone walls...brrrr~

    Big Hugs & Much Love
    xoxoxo

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    1. Oh thank you so much, dearest Jan...and I feel so privileged to receive your precious visits.:)

      I have just returned from your wonderful blog...so incredibly amazing being there. I absolutely adore it!!!

      All My Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  3. Wonderfully told. Now I want to confirm the history to compare with all the horror whispered by these ghosts you visited hidden within these amazing walls…

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    1. Oh thank you, Anthony!
      This castle ruin has long had a reputation of being haunted...and many people have reported unexplained phenomena within its precincts.
      It definitely has a powerful atmosphere. I wouldn't like to walk there alone at twilight!*smiles*

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  4. Every time I chose to return to Europe, I feel exactly the same, friend Y ... Love, cat.

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    1. Now THAT I can fully understand, Cat!!;)
      Many thanks, my friend.

      Big Hugs xoxoxo

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  5. Am I incorrect in thinking A.A. Milne's "King John" --who so wanted an India rubber ball-- might be the same monarch who inflicted such misery upon this unfortunate French Knight? I believe your poem captures the cruelty of the reign more accurately than the rhyme I recall from childhood.

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    1. Yes, I do believe he is the one.
      John's notoriety has become legendary...so many acts of unbelievable brutality.
      I'm only grateful I'm not living in his reign...it must have been a living hell!

      Many thanks, Geo.:)

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  6. __"Y", you've caused a thought that that ghost, steps into life after all the 'day-lives' have stepped away; a shadow in the shadows. Nifty_!

    stone stairs
    this haunted castle tower
    empty eyes

    _m

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    1. I'm sure they do, Doug...I mean...would you like to be the subject of all those idly curious eyes? I imagine it would feel much like being in a goldfish bowl...with all your mental suffering laid bare.
      Do so hope I never become a lost Spirit, doomed to wander the earth for all eternity!
      Must make absolutely sure I am at peace when my time comes to depart this life.*smiles*

      Oh yes...those "empty eyes"...felt them all around me...

      Many thanks, Doug.:))

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  7. I love these photos! Your words are very strong and moving!
    I hope you and your hubby are well my friend!
    Hugs!

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Sweetie...so glad you enjoyed!

      Yes, thank you, we are doing OK so far. Do so hope you are too.:)

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  8. beautiful and haunting poem. Just like the ghost! :-)

    Greetings from London.

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    1. Oh thank you, CiL...so much!

      Hope you're having a great day!:))

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  9. Hopefully someday he'll be embodied with a home of happiness and light.

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    1. Oh I sincerely hope so, Lon.
      Many thanks, my friend! :)

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  10. Boa tarde, lindo poema e muito real, mais real que o famoso fantasma.
    AG

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    1. Oh thank you so much for your kind words...so appreciated!

      A Hug :))

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  11. Fabulous poem Ygraine! Lovely photos too! The last two lines add a touch of realism to your haunting write.
    The ability of the human psyche to accept a situation for what it is through mental 'escape' is a brilliant finale Awesome :)

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Rose...really happy you liked this!:)
      Here's hoping I would be able to mentally escape if I were in that horrifying situation...somehow, though, don't think I'd be strong enough...

      Have a wonderful weekend!

      xoxoxo

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  12. Wonderful poem and beautiful photos!

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Linda.
      You are so kind!

      Much Love & Hugs xoxoxo

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  13. Hello dear Ygraine,
    What a great and special place is this. Wonderful to see this old castle ruin. Very impressive and very wonderful pictures!!

    Sweet greetings,
    Marco

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    1. Many thanks, Marco...so happy you enjoyed...:))

      A Hug.

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