The Ghost of Castle Keep

On a gloomy rainy night, with lightning in the sky,
Sounds of howling winds, seem to moan and cry.
There lies a steep mountain with a castle keep,
On a narrow road where the darkness does sleep.

There is a small village near by, within a tavern stay
The late night patrons gather, whom have tales to say.
They speak of the castle, dark, remote and dreary,
And about an angry ghost that searches the halls, so weary.

The phantom wears heavy chains, links made by his deeds,
Weighing him down in frustration, where his evil breeds.
They say, his sinister screams are heard to pierce the night,
Those whom foolishly venture near will leave in violent fright.

It was said that the ghost was once a mean and handsome knight,
Who was dressed in shining armor, and was a fearsome sight.
He had a selfish manner and from his vanity sprang,
To possess the beautiful queen of the king who did reign.

He killed all comers with his lance or his sword,
Death for those who crossed him, or when easily bored.
Soon everyone feared him, or they wound up dead,
He manipulated those whom he could, or were easily led.

The queen was of rare beauty and skin that was so fair,
He longed to possess her, and it became his only care.
He laid plans and plotted to have the king put asunder,
But the one he had entrusted so much, had made a blunder.

Ten men had him forcefully taken, drawn and then quartered,
To be put upon wooden pikes; then on the lands they bordered.
It was to remind all comers of a sure and damning fate,
For, those who dare to challenge their king and the state.

As, for his mean and wicked heart, it was placed alone in a box,
Then buried in a secret place, under a mighty pile of rocks.
Where? Nobody ever knew, and the king had never said,
Now, the ghost searches for his heart, even though he is dead.

He is damned to roam and search forever in the night,
For a heart hidden for eternity and completely from his sight.
No peace will come to a fated knight, who will roam, but never rest,
And no comfort will ever come to he, who bears an empty chest.