The castle was grand and complicated,
with curved stairs and weathered stone,
iron swords, silent armor, and a
rubber ducky, made indelible in a tapestry
as squishy and small and poignant.
How they must have him a fool
for loving soft things!
How I admire the nonsense he spoke
by candlelight during moments of unrest!

The gardens were made to feature ponds
so that if any duckies should pass,
they’d find the castle irresistible.