At Dublin Station

The Driver slows the horses,

their hoofs no longer beat

against the dampened cobble stones

for fate we've come to meet,

here at Dublin Station

with its busy city drone

I'll wish my beloved Richard

a speedy, blest trip home.

Outside the carriage chamber

the world moves at its pace

but here inside, I realize,

my heart's an empty space.

I slowly grasp the curtain

and pull it back -- aside

'tis just that pine box I see

My heart belongs inside.

The chamber's bell lays idle,

yet there's a part of me,

that waits for a bell's ringing

now -- that will never be.

Opening the carriage door

I see she flanks his side,

Nar a tear drop 'neath her veil,

She's always kept her pride.

Still all the proper mourners

offer comfort and console,

to the woman who broke his heart

not me, who made him whole.

She looks my way with nod and grin

reminding me what's right

'twas she his rightful wife by day

and me his wife by night.

You've always stood between us,

but never could you win,

The love I shared with Richard

was pure while filled with sin.

Your Richard - he's yours now.

The shell of the man I knew

cold, stiff, and uncaring

reflecting traits from you.

I close the carriage door now

so I can be alone,

Richard warm inside my heart

while the horses take me home.

The city's noise has left me,

and bird's songs bring me peace,

The rolling hills we loved so much,

to heaven seem to reach.

I remove my veil and vestment

at the mirror by the door

and what is see reflected

isn't saddened anymore.

I walk the narrow stairwell

and a bell rings in my ear

Richard's home in my heart

although he isn't here.

©Inkfeather

February 1994

Return to Babble

Return to Main Page