I was green as green can be
Thirsty, tired, lost! Trying to find my way
Running, hiding from the ghosts that lurk
Within the dark forests of my soul and mind!

I plunged myself into a river so cold
Icy waters numbed my heart
With eyes closed, my hands unfold
I prayed for a place where there’s respite!

Distant sounds of laughter opened my eyes
The lush but ghostly forest now far behind
Formidable Castle loomed right in front
Its massive door ajar; so easy to find!

I mustered all strength and courage
In front of the guards, no words came out
My energy waning I gasped and said
Will you sirs let me in or will you let me die?

The guards towered over me! Frightened, I was!
Not so tall, not at all dark but definitely handsome;
“Come my lady, they said; it’s warm inside!
Our castle is your Castle now”’ they chimed!

Inside the courtyard were people of all colours, shapes, sizes!
Wearing a smile; waving, nodding saying Hi! Others quite shy!
Holding notebooks and gizmos and gadgets galore
I felt home in no time; and soon the King of Poets land stopped by!

Voila! Our self-appointed King, the guards gestured
Cafetwo2010 my lady! I am the King of Poets’ Castle
A castle I purposely built for all poets to reside and recover!
“Do you write?” he asked. I can’t your Highness but I can be a storyteller

Well, well; you came to the right place my lady!
You’ll be writing in no time!
My knights will protect you;
You now have a place to come home to

Days turned to years! I learnt the King loves organizing ball dances!
Where his Knights would make sure everyone’s invited
Filling the castle’s courtyard with poets from all walks of life!
Dancing; yodelling, reciting, writing; party goes on and on for days!

I saw a King with a kind heart; his love of his Creator shining bright
He had the knack of saving damsels in distress or not!
Inspiring them to believe in themselves, being kind to one another
Making them the lyrics of his songs and subjects of his poetry!

A tribute here, there, everywhere; a challenge now and then
A heartfelt message or two; making others lighten up!
He said he has magical skills; did he have a magic wand?
I could use that now to see if I could bring him back!

Years rolled, I got to know a few residents, some became mentors, friends!
Like Elo the quiet one who was knighted by the Great King Café
A bright young lad who called himself PM1; A lady named
Happygolucky; erudite Socrates as his name suggests.

There was a lad called Morgen90210; an academic called McDuff
A gentleman named Bill; a lady Odette I can recall and so is Redex
The others hailed from America like lindsyjones, madtat; gnj4u;
McCradloff; my brothers Candykid and jesse to name just a few

There were other decent people from the land of Kangaroos
I crossed the ditch to be with one of them and I’m still here!
Far away places brought poets like Marikia. Some have moved
to other places like myself, I can think of Scatlyn and Paloma!

But none inspired me more than the King of the Castle himself
Creating a non-denominational Castle; always welcoming new ones
When it’s miserable outside; he’ll concoct words that made us laugh!
He will secretly send a message or two just to cheer you up!

He did live up to his royal name; never looking down on anyone
Except me maybe because I’m not even five foot one.
So to Cafetwo2010; for an awesome poem-filled seven years
Thank you for blessing us with your wit; kindness, courage; humility!

You are a special and unique poet to us all;
It’s been a joy to have met you here!
Take your well-deserved, restful sleep until we meet again!