The Kingdom’s seeds
within his heart
its reign
a heavy stone
The Jester dancing
with the Queen
caught naked
on the throne

His back now turned
the Jack of Spades
a dagger
up his sleeve
A palace coup
in bold relief
his lineage
besieged

The music stops
the Jester laughs
the Queen cries out
for more
The Princess
in the tower
where her subjects
cry out ‘*****’

The drawbridge falls
the King is back
his armor
red and stained
The final battle
yet unfought
dark prophecy
— ordained

(The New Room: February, 2025)