C. S. Lewis was known for his highly poetic writing, in forms both prosaic and lyrical. His poetry cycle, “Spirits in Bondage,” is no exception. Written in 1919, Lewis had just returned home from service in World War I. He had labelled himself as an agnostic, looking foully upon God and religion. His main argument against Christianity was its virtue of being something desired yet entirely unattainable by man. This theme penetrates this entire cycle of poetry.

The text for Castle: among that folk, beloved is taken from the second-last poem in this cycle. Originally titled “World's Desire,” this poem comes from part three, titled “The Escape” - the first two sections being named “The Prison House” and “Hesitation,” respectively. Although Lewis certainly maintains a cynical view toward Christianity, it is interesting to note a few themes in this poem – namely, the castle and the ravine. The ravine separates the speaker and his love from the castle. It seems impossible for the speaker to gain access to the castle, which is saddening because he knows inside the castle lies something much better.

It is clear that Lewis is referring to Heaven (the castle) and sin (the ravine). However, the use of the word “But” in the final stanza can imply a shift in tone; does the speaker start to see hope? Does he hear something from the castle? How does he know that within the castle, there is something better? Perhaps this says that Lewis' heart was starting to change. This is why the poem is so intriguing: the simultaneous existence, the mental paradox, of an abundance of knowledge with a lack of belief. This heart change is the thesis of this piece.

This piece is dedicated to my friend, Brendan. I know you know – now will you believe?

Castle: among that folk, beloved was commissioned by the Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers for their 2014 National Conference. It was premiered on October 11, 2014, by Richard Zeller and the Cadillac Moon Ensemble, for whom the piece is written.

World’s Desire - C. S. Lewis

Love, there is a castle built in a country desolate, On a rock above a forest where the trees are grim and great, Blasted with the lightning sharp-giant boulders strewn between, And the mountains rise above, and the cold ravine Echoes to the crushing roar and thunder of a mighty river Raging down a cataract. Very tower and forest quiver And the grey wolves are afraid and the call of birds is drowned, And the thought and speech of man in the boiling water’s sound. But upon the further side of the barren, sharp ravine With the sunlight on its turrets is the castle seen, Calm and very wonderful, white above the green Of the wet and waving forest, slanted all away, Because the driving Northern wind will not rest by night or day. Yet the towers are sure above, very mighty is the stead, The gates are made of ivory, the roofs of copper red. Round and round the warders grave walk upon the walls for ever And the wakeful dragons couch in the ports of ivory, Nothing is can trouble it, hate of the gods nor man’s endeavour, And it shall be a resting-place, dear heart, for you and me. Through the wet and waving forest with an age-old sorrow laden Singing of the world’s regret wanders wild the faerie maiden, Through the thistle and the brier, through the tangles of the thorn, Till her eyes be dim with weeping and her homeless feet are torn. Often to the castle gate up she looks with vain endeavour, For her soulless loveliness to the castle winneth never. But within the sacred court, hidden high upon the mountain, Wandering in the castle gardens lovely folk enough there be, Breathing in another air, drinking of a purer fountain And among that folk, beloved, there’s a place for you and me.

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