The Light Upon the Hill (a ballad)

We slowly danced and softly glowed,
as we turned and carelessly showed
to the wind a wish for a life unbroken.
Our hearts so close, like geese flew wild,
our trembling touch, like a newborn child
refreshed in sighs and words softly spoken.

Together, yes, yet unapproved,
but from your eyes I would not be moved
saying, "What they don't know can never hurt us."
So barely breathing, in shadows hide,
to the glowing moon we would confide
the secret that we carried was so joyous.

In that place 'tween the oaks and pines
where I am yours and you are mine,
on the hill, love, shine a light
that I might join you with the night.
The trees around, our standing guards,
the lantern casting light in shards
upon the ground, upon our bed
where we in love, our souls were wed.

Laughing quietly along the road,
with new courage I walked you home
trying hard to find the words to let you know.
I kissed you then and said, "Don't cry,"
refusing then to say goodbye.
We didn't see the face up in the window.

With me so course and you so fine,
like bitter water over wine,
us not something your world would allow.
You didn't care and told me such,
that it wasn't my means, but my touch.
For me, all life's fortunes you'd disavow.

In our love I felt protected,
evil from me being reflected,
but from the plot, feelings could not save me.
The trap was set, the noose was tied,
and for my heart I would be tried.
The lantern that they lit there would betray me.

I sought you out, and was so bold,
but burning blood turned numbly cold
as I was taken hold by men of violence.
And among the trees, lonely swung,
out on the breeze my life was wrung.
Could not speak so wept, my love, in silence.

In that place 'tween the oaks and pines
where I am yours and you are mine,
the trees around me standing stark,
the lantern broken, casting dark
upon the ground, my shadow cries
where we made love and where I died.
I am there and waiting still.
I am that light upon the hill.

For those with a taste for the tragic. Thanks for reading and enjoy.

I love a good romantic tragedy and that's certainly a well written one. Beautifully tragic.

reply to post by worldwatcher


Thank you, worldwatcher. I sincerely appreciate the support and good luck in your own quest for publication.

reply to post by TravelerintheDark

I don't have a taste for the tragic, and unrequited love is a horrible thing, but your poem evokes the feeling very well. But poetry calls for sadness and longing, so this is yet another great poem by you TravelerintheDark. I am your biggest fan.