Nocturne Remorse

Though the years have passed,
The memory will forever last.
Day and night I see her still,
Dancing in the autumn chill.

The memory plays clearly now.
It was in a castle by a lough*,
My lord's grand masquerade
On his patio by the glade.

I did see her dancing there;
Across the room, I felt her stare.
Even under mask so pale,
Her desire held no veil.

She came to me and asked a dance.
I could not pass up the chance
To dance with such a beauty as she,
Though her eyes screamed of misery.

Hours passed in mere moments.
Her shimmering eyes were too potent.
From the party, we did drift
And that's when I realized her dark gift.

She led me away toward the lough*.
Her mask pulled away to show her sorrow.
Her gaze so strong I could not look away,
Which made it my last mortal day.

"Come, and look deep in my eye,
And the pain shall pass you by."
Her voice chimed so crystal clear,
Whispered softly in my ear.

I could only but obey
As we continued to sway.
Her lips brushed mine, at first so soft,
As the crisp air did begin to waft.

Her passion took away my breath.
How was I to know she would be my death?
Even when her teeth pierced my neck,
I thought it still a loving peck.

A chill over took me before I knew.
Her eyes stared as my last breath I drew.
I shall never forget those tear filled eyes.
She mouthed "I am sorry" as her goodbyes.

When I awoke, I was alone,
Laying on a cold wet stone.
Darkness stared down at me,
But very clearly I could see.

The dark gift, she had given,
Healed the place I was bitten,
Forever, I would know her sorrow
Now that I have found my own grotto.

But an eternity she will remain,
Haunting me as desire and bane,
Dancing ever so gracefully,
Forever imprinted in my memory.

*= Irish for lake