No Surrender

I lie beneath the dark waves of despondency
and watch my castles fall.
How easily they topple, crumbling to the sea
like rotting vines, from walls.

I built them stout, with love and tactile memories -
and all defences down.
Now I lie beneath them, as they bury me;
and rip my paper crown.

Must that I raise the white flag and surrender this,
accepting thus my fate?
And kneeling, hold the victors hand, his ring to kiss;
a servant, if not mate?

‘Twas then I heard a valiant cry, within the keep
and rose on trembling legs.
With hefty shield of strong resolve, did faithful leap
and take heart, from the dregs.

I will not be subservient to this master now,
the choices yet, are mine.
My seed will grow and I will choose, where I will plough,
my future to define!