We remember your name, but only one role
of the fire-eyed actor on this world’s stage,
only one facet of your fractured soul.
Even now, in this long-distanced age
the tales multiply, and we want a view inside
of the fire-eyed actor on this world’s stage—
gypsy-fortune, host of omens denied
your unlucky star, your hand full of sorrow—
the tales multiply, and we want a view inside.
Today, deep conviction; murder tomorrow,
a hundred-plus years of men cursing your name,
your unlucky star, your hand full of sorrow.
Trapped and useless, finale of shame:
outrage at the crime (for the victim, weeping),
a hundred-plus years of men cursing your name.
We show a good face, in our history-keeping:
outrage at the crime (for the victim, weeping).
We remember your name, but only one role,
only one facet of your fractured soul.
A hack terzanelle for NaPoWriMo’s Day 16 prompt. I’ve enjoyed following this week’s NPR stories about the 150th anniversary of President Lincoln’s assassination, and got to thinking…
I really like the perspective you chose for this. Bravo.
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Wow, thanks! I’m learning that these forms can sometimes send me in a different direction than I had originally planned.
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Nice job! I could not take this form in at all — I could not find a rhyme if my dog ran through a bog. 🙂 I am very impressed!
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Hahaha. I felt like it was a bit hackneyed, but definitely a good exercise! Working with forms (and rhyme) really works the brain in a different way.
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I know you are a brilliant poet, clearly able to master any form, but this (especially after 2 drottkvaets) is very impressive! I love the tone, the topic and the effect of the repeated lines. Just lovely!
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Oh, goodness, you are too kind. I’m learning that formal poems have a way of having their own way…
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