Homework June 29th

[Catherine Lee]

The statue’s stony stare observed their regular discourse
as secretly the lovers met below,
while sparkling water tumbled from the fountain’s central source
to echo love that seemed to overflow.
Her stunning gown of gold brocade enhanced bright sapphire eyes;
his doublet was of richly purple hue.
Their eager footsteps tripped through forest paths towards the rise
where fragrant white and yellow lilies grew.
He gifted her a pretty bowl of finest ruby glass
and placed a silver locket at her throat;
they pledged their true devotion as they lounged on verdant grass
protected by his woollen overcoat.

They planned their lives with not a thought that fate could intervene,
and scorning any thoughts that one might change;
but in the end their trysting place became an empty scene—
such lonely contrast miserable and strange.
And now the statue keeps its silent vigil all alone—
the elements have covered it in grime.
The fountain lies in ruins and the grass is overgrown;
the garden’s wild—forgotten over time.
Untended lilies bloom and die, their perfume sickly sweet,
while twisted vines obstruct the forest floor,
assuring no-one ventures to this once adored retreat
or has the inclination to explore.

Her gold brocade has faded, splendid cloth now frayed and torn;
abandonment has dulled those laughing eyes.
Resentment has consumed her due to suffering she’s borne,
desire transformed to disillusioned sighs.
The ruby shards of shattered glass lie shattered on the floor
where once they were so furiously hurled;
the silver locket mocks her aged reflection in the door
as bitterly she rants against the world...
But though her dreams have died and endless grief devours and burns,
her broken heart destroyed with pain she bears,
yet still it leaps at every sound, and wretchedly she turns
in hope, to seek his shadow on the stairs.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Oh Lordy Lordy! Beautiful writing Catherine - simply divine and a great use of the prompts. Your words take me there.

[Catherine Lee]

Wow, thanks so much Maureen, this means a lot!

[Terry]

a lovely touching poem Catherine - you also used the 'Shadow on the stairs' a bit like I did.

Terry

[Catherine Lee]

Thank you Terry - yes I thought that when I read yours so we must be of like mind in this case! It was actually the first image that came to me out of all the prompts.

[alongtimegone]

How sad Catherine. But beautifully written.
Wazza

[Shelley Hansen]

Wow! Love it, Catherine. It paints a medieval scene for me - Lady of Shallot ... or Hamlet and Ophelia perhaps??

Cheers, Shelley

[Trisha Patterson]

Beautifully executed Catherine. You have a special way with words!
Trish

[Catherine Lee]

Thank you Wazza, Shelley and Trish, you have made my day with your kind and encouraging words and I really appreciate your feedback. And Shelley - I do love medieval stories so am glad this feeling came across to you.

[David Campbell]

Very evocative and imaginative, Catherine, and perhaps a touch of "Ozymandias" there as well? One small suggestion...you've used "shattered" twice in the fifth line of the last stanza. Maybe find an alternative for one of them?

Cheers
David