Set ablaze; past glories,
Conquests. Thick brick walls
Impenetrable sit idly by
Whilst what ifs eviscerate.

A kingdom built on grains and specks.
Once a settlement, now ghastly;
Ravaged by plaguing self-doubt,
Warming, once-virginal moat breached.

Back then, gauntlet raised in
Defiance. Each challenged indiscretion
Offering temporary relief; even
Reputation. To be lauded.

Now my Castle stands,
Pallid, chalk-lined grandstands.
Guiding past, drawbridge downed
Vagrant visitors. My crown.