I gaze upon these waters black,
My heart disquiet, no looking back.
What wonders in this lake do lie
That haunt my dreams and catch my eye,
And call to me in siren song
A magic tune for which I long.
The lake it speaks as if alive,
And in dark waters I do dive
To plunder riches long since gone.
I wonder then what have I done
To make this wonder call to me,
What guides my hand and writes a song
So that one day it might be free?
For in this lake an evil lay
That wakes at night but sleeps by day,
Yet calls to me in fever dreams,
And haunts my mind so real it seems
The world will end should darkness win.
The devil profits from my sin.
If darkness stirs within the lake,
What brightness should I then create?
My words so formless now hold sway
To keep this blackened thing at bay,
And stop it from it's evil goal…
The price I fear…will be my soul.
For there were things I did not know,
Beyond this lake I call my home
There lay a darker ocean green,
With waves both wilder and serene.
To it's ports I've been.
To it's ports I've been…
It was Emil who first introduced us, and instantly I fell in love. Who wouldn't? The whole town adored her.
Her name was Barbara Jagger. In Bright Falls she was a renowned beauty, and three time winner of the Miss Deerfest pageant. It was hardly surprising given her looks. Living in New York I'd never seen girls half this wonderful. Her hair was a dark rich ebony, her skin pale yet hauntingly beautiful. Her lips were a deep rose red, and her eyes a wide ocean blue. Staring at her I felt I could get lost in her gaze forever.
I was normally so eloquent when it came to penning my words to paper, but faced with the angelic vision before me my mouth could only slur a nervous greeting.
She laughed at my awkwardness, her giggles like the sound of some distant lullaby swept in upon a warm summer breeze. I could smell her perfume. It crept into my nostrils seductively, enticing my senses. She was entirely intoxicating. My whole body felt at once alive and on edge just being in her presence.
"So you're the famous poet then?" she enquired of me.
Her voice was perfect. As she spoke it was if all the angels of heaven had chose this moment to blow their trumpets and play their harps and sing songs celebrating her beauty. I could only stare at her blankly.
Emil spoke on my behalf. "Come now Tom! I'm sorry Miss Jagger, but it seems the famous Mr Zane is for once lost for words."
She smiled again, her eyes examining me; scrutinizing the effaceable poet before her.
"Mr Zane," she spoke again, "You really need not be nervous. It should be me who is in awe of you. I do so love your work. You are an amazing writer."
Finally my tongue remembered how it worked. "Thank you Miss Jagger. It's just that I so rarely meet such a beautiful woman as you."
She blushed and gazed down at her feet. "Mr Zane, you are a flatterer. Are all the men from New York such charmers?"
"I doubt the men of New York have ever encountered someone as lovely as you Miss Jagger. In all the languages in all the world I could not find the words that would do you the justice you deserve. If I were to pen a tale of your beauty, for once I fear I would fail to live up to my reputation."
"You are too kind Mr Zane. But isn't that why you are here? Your reputation I mean. Mr Hartman tells me you cannot write."
I steal a glance at my assistant writer, angered that he should share my inadequacy with such a beautiful woman. "That is…correct. I am residing here in Bright Falls for a while. I hope this wonderful setting will help inspire me."
"Where in our fine town are you staying?"
"I have a cabin out on Cauldron Lake."
Her eyes light up. "Diver's Isle?"
"That's right, Miss Jagger."
"They say the townsfolk named it after you."
I laugh. "Yes I suppose. I often dive in the lake. I find it gives me inspiration."
"I hear the Anderson brothers also found inspiration from that lake."
At the mention of Bright Falls most famous musical duo, Emil interjected. "Now, now Miss Jagger. You know those tales are nonsense. Superstitions and fantasy."
Barbara gazed at me, and I felt like losing myself in her stare. "Is it true Mr Zane? Is the lake really a magic lake?"
"Miss Jagger. There is no such thing as magic," said Emil. But I wasn't listening anymore. I was captivated by this woman. There was something about her that made me want her, desire her. I would do anything for her.
"Miss Jagger," I spoke. "I will tell you all about the lake. Would you care to join me at my cabin one day?"
The beautiful young girl before me turned scarlet. "Is the famous poet asking me out on a date?"
"I…suppose I am." I smiled.
"Then…I will accept. On one condition."
"My wish is your every command."
"Will you write me a poem?"
I laughed, my head spinning; my mind drunk on the wonders of this enchanting woman. "Miss Jagger, I will write you all the poems and tales you could desire."
"Please, call me Barbara."
"I am more than pleased to meet you Barbara," I said, offering my hand.
She placed her hand in mine. "The feeling is more than mutual Thomas Zane."