Once they crossed an ocean -
deep and never ending.
A glipse across its waters
proved the distance between shores was great.
Beautiful, ice blue waters
so cold and restless...
to enter would prove fatal.

The water, once so calm and motionless,
now crests waves angry and massive...
a surfer's dream - a bystander's worse nightmare.

Looking across the beach,
beautiful, white-sanded calmness.
Couples wander lovingly, hand-in-hand.
Waves diminish and come lapping to the shore -
almost like a wild animal, tamed.
Sitting on the blanket, he waits.

Upon this shore stands a castle...
one built carefully from sand.
Massive and glorious is this structure.

This castle, large enough to live in -
stands before him...its gates closed tightly.
Draw bridge up - as if prepared for an attack.
How to get inside....
a difficult question to answer.
Curious bystanders gaze on -
in awe...wondering what lies within.

Within lies a treasure -
one far more precious that riches.
A small, frightened princess-too scarred to leave.

Deep, dark eyes...
mysterious and filled with fear...
gaze out from a darkened corner.
Wanting to calm her fear - he approaches,
looks into her face, and smiles.
For a moment, she places her trust in him -
until a distant memory blasts her back
into the warmth and security of the corner.

He sits before her...
baffled and hurt - wanting to help.
Wanting her to fall into his arms
and forget her fears forever.
She waits, knowing her heart lies elsewhere.....