No Castle (Poetry)

Dear One,
                we have brought each other here
sighing through the deserts of our dreams.
See how the far-off water winks and gleams —
the sky’s reflected blue sinks calm and clear.

It is our time, so let’s claim it now
and drink as we have never drunk before.
We’ve covered miles, our bodies travel-sore.
No need to worry more or question how

we’ve reached this point — finally arrived
still on our feet and willing to believe
in give and take. It’s our turn to receive
a blessing and the proof we have survived.

We’ve been as horses tramping through cold night
resolute and blinkered, kept on track
each picking up the other’s weary slack
with still no fabled Shangri-La in sight.

This seems a modest place to pitch a tent
beside a lake amidst a patch of green.
No castle but an ideal spot to dream
and build a life, grow old, and be content.