The Changing of the Guard

I’ve seen the castle everyday for the past few years.
I’ve seen it draped it revelry, I’ve seen it flood with tears.
I’ve seen the guards fight battles, protecting us from harm.
I’ve seen them guide in diplomats, employing tact and charm.
I’ve seen them stand there stoically, watching the days drive past.
I’ve seen them all these days for years, and I’ve known it could not last.

I hear the colonel shout the order for the guards to march away.
I hear them leave their battlements, for here they cannot stay.
I hear them yell “Goodbye” and “Thanks” to we they leave behind.
I hear the sadness in their voice, the longing in their mind.
I hear the hope and fear they have, of futures quite unsure.
I hear the doubts and regrets clear; for all there is no cure.

I feel them pass beyond the gates into the great unknown.
I feel the emptiness abound, the banners no more flown.
I feel the calm and eerie peace of a city lacking kings.
I feel the absence of so many familiar things.
I feel as if there is so much that I now should do.
I feel the pressing burden of these obligations new.

I should have asked them more advice, I should have spent more time!
I should have paid attention to them in their majestic prime.
I should have helped, I should have cared, I should have been their friend!
I should have realized that our times together soon would end.
I should have appreciated them, but they’re all now gone.
I should have prepared for my ascent to knight from just a pawn.

I take their spots upon the wall, and stand where titans stood.
I take up discarded armor and would cheer if but I could.
I take their burdens, take their honors, and at last I take their flag.
I take the time to raise up ours to replace the tattered rag.
I take their posts where now I stand and see what I can see.
I take a look upon these kids who one day shall replace me.

The Road Not Given

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And both the roads looked equally good.
But I sat on the fork instead
And thought the matter in my head:

Either way could end quite well.
Either way could end in Hell.
Each I knew was bright and fair
For every choice would lead elsewhere.

But I could not choose, I wanted all;
Could not decide, make either call.
Yet one that was perhaps the best
Gleamed and called more than the rest.

And finally it released a shout!
For its' resolve had given out.
The path dissolved, the way closed in,
And I was left one path again.

The Frost hung thick on brittle pine
While trees closed in on down the line.
I did not choose, the path chose me
Due to inability.

Ages pass and still I dream
For that path I closed did seem
To be the one I ought to take.
But so do all I do not make.