Preface: This is my first attempt at
writing poetry since Lord Scarlatti's departure.
Please forgive its courseness.
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Can you see behind the grand facade
covered beneath the fancy brocade?
The signs are there but invisible
making those who see them miserable.

Try as I might to remove the veil
of naive eyes I still fail.
Hoping deep in my heart that one
will finally not be blinded by sun.

The stench wafting from the street
cannot be any more discrete.
The anger of the lake is astounding
as its waves continue rebounding.

I see the changes every day
hoping that the worst will not stay.
Yet how much can one man give
to ensure that his home will live?

Dumas s'Lessen

Penned by my hand on the 7th of Valnuary, in the year 449 AF.