At distance I see a great grey tower standing proud and tall.
I imagine that I'm at it's feet and feasting in it's hall.
Fires roaring, music playing, lords and ladies dance
So to this tower appeared to me at my initial glance.

I wandered on toward the tower through brambles overgrown.
It really seem quite strange to me that fields were all unsown.
But still I traveled toward the spire, now much nearer be.
The host of such a place, I thought, would so comfort me.

But as I passed from fields to town, it soon came very clear
That something wicked passed this way, my heart began to fear.
For what had happened to the folk that lived here day to day.
And where were the defenses that in the tower stay?

Nay a man nor lass so fair, was to be found or seen.
And it had been a long long time since there had ever been.
So on I went, unto the gait at the strongholds base.
The rotting wood fell to just dust as I pushed it back in place.

I walked on through the outer court and its foul and stale air.
And what I saw, I must confess, caused me to despair
The tower that was strong and straight and of polished stone
Was crumbling at its bases, and brittle as a bone.

So away I go to seek another place where I can rest.
Where fields are green and maids are pretty and ale that is best.
At distance I see a great grey tower standing proud and tall.
I imagine that I'm at its feet and feasting in its hall.