The Heroic Heart

The Heroic Heart

Through parables and fables, we learn lessons from the past
of the virtues we should embrace. These tales often outlast
the headlines of the day that, like the tumbling leaves in fall,
are often swept away with no attention paid at all.

He saw her on a summer's day. He knew his heart was lost.
He swore that one day she'd be his, no matter what the cost.
Reluctant though she was, in time he proved his nature true
as step by step he wooed her until his love she knew.

"Before your heart commits," she said, gazing in his eyes,
"our love is doomed by legend's bane. If you were truly wise,
you'd leave and n'er look back again. Erase me from your mind."
He heard the words but could not see. Love had made him blind.

The legend of a family curse on love could not dissuade
feelings for each other and so true love's vows were made.
The nuptials were joyous until at last they slipped away.
She offered up her innocence, saved for this special day.

She stood before him, unashamed, and offered him her arms.
With tender loving touches, they discovered true love's charms
and found a place of beauty and the blessings they bestow
until she began to change. Her eyes took on a demon glow.

Where once a cloak of purity shone 'neath translucent skin
now reptile scales appeared, afflicted by another's sin.
Talons grew, her mind deformed, blood lust sang in her veins.
The evil that uttered the curse was free from all its chains.

She transformed before his eyes; the arcane spell was now awake,
yet his heart remained unchanged and so for his true love's sake
he offered her a gift: his life. As she stared at his bright soul,
with a gentle touch and true love's kiss he once more made her whole.

Not all the heroes in the world are tested to this length
yet all have much in common – a heart that filled with strength.
An ancient curse holds power that time alone cannot abate,
yet it pales before the strength of love in overcoming hate.


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Genre: Action/Adventure
Line Count: 36 Word Count: 360