The Sanctuary (tribute) (Realms of Love XIII)

[Jahaliel]

I walk up the foggy path, sleepy rose dragon watches from her sunlit rock, a rosella soars high and
a scarlet jay trills a welcome, as a unicorn with verdant mane nudges me for a hug (freely given).
The sky here is mainly clear, just a few clouds casting shade over heather filled meadows,
I wave to my soul sis and her lover (my best big brother) sitting by the lake, reading to each other
the wind carries a whisper of their words, Tolkien by the sound. Smiling I walk down
by the river, roses grow there wild and free for the flux of seasons is subtle here.

I enter the grand front doors and see the resident artist hang his latest work “Welcome Home”
as grandpa rushes by with a fish he caught for tea leaving behind the scent of desert sand.
In the throne room three queens reign, hearts, darkness and sweet jellybeans.
Lady B chats with Alice and Robin and are paid court by Sir Dan and Jeremy as
Moe the bard sings songs with matches; the mirthful music spreads throughout the hall.
Shiz and Shino tend to the window flowers, an angel in opal and azure watches over.

Down in the shadowed dungeons Mr G and D have set up an evil lair
but we keep them pacified by leaving gifts of chocolate on the stair.
A veiled princess sits in her tower, watching a raven’s grace dance.
I travel through the corridors past her door, find myself at the library
and there’s my friend tearing out his hair, worried he has lost his muse.
I take a peek over his shoulder, grab the quill and pen a line of love
The smile on his face all the reward I need, as the dinner bell rings out.

Flames leap in the grand hall, to warm and light our shared meal.
Chelle is there, her shadowed eyes show she’s been hard at work again.
Sasha shares a plate with Musie and Tim as Sophiah splits dessert with Chryseis.
I sit next to a quiet astronomer, who when the dancing starts
bemoans his age, if he were young he’d take me out on the floor.
So I grab his hand, “those rules don’t apply, nonsense is still contagious here ” and we dance the night away.

I’ve seen the true reflection of the souls dancing here, and I love them all so dear.
Later that night when the halls are still, I wander to the corridor of the lost
where pictures hang of remembered friends who time has taken away.
There’s my uncle: the prince of hearts, a noble knight and many of my first friends:
The weaver of dreams, shadowed and bleeding gems, summer trees and my birthday buddy.
As I sorrow in silence it is broken by a step, I turn and those who remain are (t)here,
They warm me in familial embrace, (while one blusters about it not being a hug) and dry my tears.

So come where there’s always a candle lit in the window, a place of mystique and joy.
The gates never close to the sanctuary of hopes, the castle of dreams.
Where friends are the family of choice, whose love spans the seas.

SPOILER (Cast of characters in order of appearance highlight to reveal) :

Dr Fogg, Dragons of Rose, Rosella, Mr J, everhopeful, flyboy (ever kasting shade to me), songofmeadow, Miss Victoria, ApocalypticJay karrie, riverrose, flux, otts, djk, sweetsophie, Ladylilith, queenjellybean, Lady B, Ladywildalice, Ladymaybebaby, Sir Daniel, jeremyf, moe, matches, allmirth
shizukesa, shinobu, windowflower, AoR, Mr Goth, Mr D, veiledprincess, ARGD, Coapachy, inflames, Chelle, shadowedeyes, Sasha, Musie, Mazrocon, Sophiah, Chryseis, quiet astronomer, contagiousnonsense my true reflection, IAB, Pim, dreamweaver, shadoweddiamond, bloodygem, oursummertrees, munim, Pro, mystiq

[songofmeadow]

yay, first to comment, splendiferous jah and what wonderful delight recognising the eclectic collage of stars you have included *presses exalt* ps love the bit about QA grumbling

[Rosella]

Wow, this is unexpected. *amazed* I haven't thought also, and I agree my name is like a parrot's name. My friend told me before, it's amusing... :) Original, like the story.

[Mr D]

cool flick Jah. this is awesome and im not saying this just coz you're feeding me chocolate... hmm...a little amazed you decided to include me too. great work, Jah, keep it up !

[Mr Goth]

really sweet its the best tribute poem ever written and Its wow simple wow.... exalt just pretend the button is there

[karrie]

Hi Jah This is so wonderful! Much enjoyed!

[Chelle]

I remember reading the other one you did and smiling.
Funny how close you have me pegged. I'm actually about to sleep now though I have to be on duty in 5 hours. *sigh* ill get bedtime after its over though so itll be allright.

[everhopeful]

I like how the constraints of this poem make it a little bit 'Drops' like in the construction, because there are certainly a lot of names to weave into this, and you managed to do that while making a lucid, flowing, logical story with several moments that made me smile. Well penned, a fun read but I'm sure a demanding write!
Thank you, we all love you too Jah!

[QuietAstronomer]

This is such grand tribute to what we have in TPS.
You, my sweet, are the jewel of the universe shining brighter than ever.

Trying to stand, old bones creaking (mumbling about old age) and applauding your obvious genius and talent.

Yopu have so sincerely and lovingly caught and depicted the essence of everyone here....well, Almost everyone...what was that about mooowah 'grumbling'???...Bah, humbug!

Love you.

QA

[Ladywildalice]

There are many unexpected and touching little gifts that have been coming my way as of late. This one stands out as one of the most unexpected and touching indeed. Thank you, for the graciousness of your heart, the clarity of your soul, and the endearing friendship you extend to so many of us. It seems like such a little thing...............to say "Thank you", but this one couldn't be more golden or heartfelt. Thank you. Sue

[Coapachy]

Hi my friend. First off, what a delightful story, blended with a Tolkien-esque atmosphere, written with assurance by a lady in charge of her diction and poetic expressions. It was fun picking out the direct and indirect references to many of our fellow poets here, and I am blessed that I made such a heady list. I read Dear Sophie's tribute the other day, impressive it was too, and although this and her poem are so very different, they have the commonality of being written by a poetess, and it really does show through.

*Hugs* as ever beautiful Chels, a brilliant fantasy poem.

Dave

[allmirth]

Oh Jah, What a mirthful way to start my day!

Loved the way you weaved everyone in so subtly. I had fun looking for all the references. A most impressive and enjoyable read. Rarely, if ever, have I ventured into the Fantasy. I have missed much it seems. Such a warm and heartfelt tribute. You capture the essence of love, that is the family of TPS! Wonderful write! It is a treasure.

Many hugs and much love for sharing this!

Mirthy

[inflames]

:) These are fun to do; I remember writing one myself on the old site. Well done, Jah! It's always nice to be loved. Thanks for poking me in this direction.

[Sasha]

God bless this loving heart and this poetic talent.
Beautiful write, Jah!
I appreciate this alot as I enjoyed reading it so very much. Thank you!!
Much love and hugs to you as well :)

Sash

[SweetSophie]

Jah, there's nothing more beautiful than a giving soul. You give so much of yourself in this write, your heart, your love of fantasy, the love and respect you have for all of us. I am humbled. Dave compared my tribute to yours, but honestly, mine can't even compare to the beauty in yours. Brilliantly penned.

Love,
~Soph~

[Mazrocon]

Is this is a community or what? Though it's all within the confines of the internet, a lot goes on here!

"as grandpa rushes by with a fish he caught"

Ha! I actually remember that picture with DJK

Musie, Sasha... it's great you can share a plate with me and all, but it's probably not the greatest idea. After all they don't call me the bottomless pit for nothing!

I don't know how you fit so many different names and still managed to make sense. Most impressive indeed, and it's just awesome you can make tributes like these.

Drinks on the house!! (but please not while making posts at TPS.... it's not safe to drink and type!)



~TIMOTHY~

[flux]

I love the progression of this Jah', as you float about your imagined sanctuary it is as if we are peeking over your shoulder. And I was genuinely touched by your loving descriptions of this place and all its inhabitants.. Thanks for this.

[shadowedeyes]

This put a smile on my face in an otherwise boring day at work. Thanks for the mention sweetie - was heartfelt to be picked out like this.

H x

[True~Reflection]

This is what I imagine heaven to be like This is both beautiful and amazing beyond belief.

[Raven (ARGD)]

Oh, Jah, this is such a beautiful tribute! There is so much warmth in this, such a feeling of peace and belonging, that I couldn't help but sigh as I read it. It's such a warm, magical poem, describing The Sanctuary as just how the name sounds. For me, this place really is like my escape from reality, almost like into another dimension, where everything is peaceful and just... right. Having spent too much time away, this piece reminded me of that feeling, and made me so very homesick (gotta find a way to visit more ).

I am amazed at how well done this was. Even with the constrictions brought with writing around everyone's names, this flowed beautifully. If not for the specification of it in the title (and obviously, my recognition of the names), I would never have guessed that this was written that way at all! The journey through this fantastic castle filled with family (and you really did make it feel like family in this) was so nice, that I would have been content with taking that journey with you forever, just wandering the grounds and seeing the joyful every-day activity of all its inhabitants. In fact, I did reread a few times, because I love the feeling it gives me.

Jah, thanks for this. I am taken aback and so very touched by your inclusion of me in this piece. I'm honored to be a part of it. I have so much love for you, and for this poem. -big hugs-