AN: THIS IS NOT A SONG FIC/ POEM FIC. AND IT IS NOT A DEATH FIC EITHER. Don't freak out. LOL.

This is a poem I wrote and had published in my high school's literary magazine. This actually belongs to me, so if you wish to use it, please, please ask. I wrote this in memory of a good friend, someone who taught me the true meaning behind the phrase 'heart of gold'. I thought it would be fitting to post, seeing as it is the title of this fic and actually holds a lot of the values that I see in Arthur and Merlin's friendship.

The actual fic will begin in the next chapter.

"…atque in perpetuum… ave atque vale" (and so forever… hail and goodbye)

Catullus Poem 101

A Heart of Gold:

In memoria Gloriae

With a death,

Brings agonizing breath.

Torn hearts, faces stained

With the tears of the pained.

The hole hard to mend

When the one you love finds their end.

Hurt unbearable,

Hurt not passable.

But sometimes you see

Really what it is to be…

A heart of gold

A friend of old

A brave, strong soul

Sweet and whole

A fighter

A believer

Free-willed and steadfast

To the very last

To just hold on a moment longer

Shines through the stronger

Joyful and bright

As a ray of sunlight

Glorious heart of gold

Memories hold

A love so persisting

The bond eternally existing

Pure, true, and dear

Always here

Forever

In memoria Gloriae

A heart of gold

And a friend of old