Old Castle Poem by Phan Thanh gian

Where has the sound of court music gone?
The mossy outer walls have darkened in time
Neglect set in, stones crumbled
Care taken away, worn is the carved facade.

Embroidered dragons once flew over that roof top
Our august Lord found safety in these jade chambers
Seat of power - t'was the most eminent place
The citadel's clout radiated in all cardinal directions

Benevolent reign snuffed out by fate most cruel
Clan's crest fell, ancestral tombs desecrated
Noble descendants exiled in forsaken corners
Horses, sedans vacant beneath hollow wind chimes

What a sorrowful sight: empty castle shivers at twilight
Gaunt tower casts long shadow over cold moat
Main gate wide open, burnt doors unhinged
Last defenders' moan echoes in moonless nights