The original version of Vespertine has been published in All of Me Vol. V, courtesy of Shadow Spark Publishing. Featured art is by Eriko Kaniwa.

Listen to Vespertine by Richard Charles Stevens (Queen of Peace Suite)

Listen to Queen of Peace by Florence + The Machine

faraway from tragedy
in pride of place stood magic tree
whispering of kingdom steeped in deepest seated majesty
its cavity was hollow
begged no borrow of sweet sorrow
as each yesterday it bled today would still remain tomorrow
.
she set a scene
in vespertine
to see in the first burst of spring
to quench her thirst
for destiny
to hear the birds of feather sing
to purse her lips and cling to kiss
that whispered through the thinning mist
its drift resumed from tilling grip
of ever distant memories
.
she set a scene
in vespertine
to see in the first burst of spring
to quench her thirst
for destiny
to hear the birds of feather sing
to purse her lips and cling to kiss
that whispered through the thinning mist
its drift resumed from tilling grip
of ever distant memories
.
in vespertine (repeat)
.
she set a scene
essentially
to recreate a dream
luxuriating nature’s theme
while tending to a greater need
to see the raven gain esteem
for each relation overseen
to bleed her veins
to wake the sea
for someone had to
take the lead
.
in vespertine (repeat)
.
she set a scene
courageously
tenacious as her steed
with thoroughbred commitment
to encouragement of deed
to see the seeds then flourish
as they nourished fallen leaves
to suture thoughts of no precaution thieved
.
in vespertine (repeat)
.
she set a scene
in vespertine
with evening drawing close
she wept a tear
and kept it near
then crinkled up her nose
with bells on all ten toes
she chose to tiptoe through the roses
and to her pleasure
every last one opened
in salute
conviction one dare not refute
had seen her scattered heart regroup
this masterpiece
emphatic coup
for one who kicked off socks and shoes
to paddle in the widest streams
and reenact her wildest dreams
.
(salut)
wildest dreams
(salut)
wildest dreams
(salut)
wildest dreams
(salut)
wildest dreams
.
she set a scene
in vespertine
to wine and dine the estuary
each spilling vein refreshing theme
with reinstated zest and keen
the kingdom famed forever queen
to set this scene
in vespertine
.
in vespertine (repeat)
.
faraway from tragedy
in pride of place stood magic tree
whispering of kingdom steeped in deepest seated majesty
its cavity was hollow
begged no borrow of sweet sorrow
as each yesterday it bled today would still remain tomorrow
.
still remain tomorrow
(still remain tomorrow)
still remain tomorrow
(still remain tomorrow)
still remain tomorrow
(still remain tomorrow)
.
vespertine (repeat)
.
she set a scene
in vespertine
to see in the first burst of spring
to quench her thirst
for destiny
to hear the birds of feather sing
to purse her lips and cling to kiss
that whispered through the thinning mist
its drift resumed from tilling grip
of ever distant memories
.
in vespertine (repeat)
.

Richard Charles Stevens

Keeper of The Crimson Quill

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