Some mysterious mischievous monster stalked the city.
Ravaged it and razed the houses to the grounds.
A gust of dust and smoke
oozing smell of black hot lava
greeted the sad solitary figure
frantically searching
the lost beat of his heart.
The dog sniffed and pulled the master to the spot.
Was it the diamond ring?
Shining promises of their love
never to part in pain or pleasure.
With trembling hands,
a throbbing heart
he reached for the fair hands of his love
pale and limp they still bore
the traces of his warm kisses
Only awhile ago!

Only awhile ago as he turned to go
the whole building came crashing down
and with it the world of cherished dreams.
The hands he touched with flooded eyes
grew colder and colder.
But warmer and warmer
the promises of love
shown in the light of the ring.