Lesson learned
Heave the weighty coat of chain,
Don the breastplate's breathless chest.
Straps of leather taught with strain.
Begloved hands in gauntlets pressed.
Slam the visor, seal me in.
Steel become my second skin.
Raise the ramparts squat and thick;
Crenellations, Parapets.
Shrink the world to arrow-slits.
Bury deep the oubliettes.
Raise the drawbridge, flood the moat.
Gorget round this castle's throat.
Build upon the mountain bluff.
Hew the fort from living rock.
Smash the path to rubbled rough.
Bar each door and seal each lock.
Lower pennants, let them lie,
And look away from the sky.
It was unwise to ride out,
To roam without armour on,
From the strong secure redoubt,
Learn too late, what's done is done.
Under stone and iron hide,
Never venture back outside.
@BastionKnight
I really love how this poem mixes medieval imagery with a deeper look at vulnerability and safety. It gives off this sense of almost obsessive self-protection, like the speaker’s retreating into a fortress. The imagery of armour, castles, and all those defences really shows the need for security, both physically and emotionally. The lines towards the end, “what’s done is done” and “never venture back outside,” hint at regret or resignation, like the speaker’s now trapped by their own walls – maybe showing the price of isolation or over-preparation. I also love how it’s not just the armour, but even the manor itself feels shut off, like it’s under attack or in a constant state of defence. I see a similar theme in your work, like that poem with the Lion mouse and Dragon dove. Can’t wait for your next masterpiece, Knight!
@azurePond
*Bows humbly* Thank you for your perspicacious and thoughtful analysis of my poem. Your supportive encouragement means a great deal to me. I am gratified that you found something you liked about it and noted themes that may have a commonality with some of my other scribblings (and also a little unnerved; I tend to convince myself I have obfuscated meanings behind metaphors).
Thank you for taking the time to write a response, it has been very gratefully received.
