~ by Charles A. Coulombe

“We must pass through dark waters
Before we reach the sweet.”
Said Van Helsing as with heavy heart
And aching feet, He stalked through city,
moor, crypt, and fen,
To catch Bloodsucker in his
Dreary den.

In sad noblesse did Royal Flavia,
with tears, recall at storied Strelsau,
“Ah dear, if love were all,”
Then bowing to the regal duties thrust
By fate,
Forsook her love for reasons of the
Crowns’ estate.

Most loyal Beren who took Tinuviel for
Good or ill,
With her aid braving death to wrest,
A silmaril,
Was by strength of Romance and love’s might
Allowed to conquer, by fierce combat,
Cruel night.

All, indeed, well learned the lesson
Of love’s law,
That those who love must struggle with
The flaw, which from the time of Adam’s
Sinful mirth
Has clouded those who breathe upon
The Earth.

So, we who for now are separated by
Mournful fate,
Yet are not burdened by duty or high estate,
May through love snatch victory
From defeat,
And pass through these dark waters
To the sweet.

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