Survivor

SURVIVOR

The last survivor of a noble race,
he looked around him, joyless  --
gold and jewels in a sealed fortress,
precious, ancient treasures
in that large stone tower,
built near the sea below a cliff;
waves in front of it, rocks behind.
 
The last survivor of a noble race,
he knew how war and terror
had closed the door
to all gladness, delight, and living.
He knew that hidden treasure,
heaped high in the tower,
would tarnish and crack.
 
The last survivor of a noble race,
he alone in the darkness sadly watched
the end of a dynasty.
Gone the harp's bright song;
gone the hawk on its swift wing,
gone the trampling stallion,
their masters hurled to the grave.