ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

A bit of a departure from Aussie verse (sorry about that) - but for some reason these prompts led me back to the legends of ancient Greece! There's no accounting for the journey of a poet's brain, is there?? Probably beyond the reach of modern science to explain!

PENELOPE'S LAMENT
(c) Shelley Hansen 4/5/18

The songs my mother taught me beat a bittersweet refrain.
I wonder – will I ever see your treasured face again?
I watch the sun rise endlessly above this ancient sea
and see it set without a sail to bring you back to me.

The suitors who would woo me are but shadows of your light.
The moon reflects my tears that fall as droplets, salt and bright,
while out there in the ether you face tests I cannot share –
and yet, my love, I feel each heavy burden you must bear.

You used to bring me roses in the summer’s golden glow,
but since you left their thorns draw blood. I cannot stem its flow.
Your kisses burn like searing fiery fingers on my lips
as day by day I watch to see your flag among the ships.

Odysseus, Odysseus, turn homeward to your land.
Do you still live, my darling? Can you hear or understand
the grief of your Penelope whose heart is doomed to yearn
for sweet and cherished memories, awaiting your return?

Nothing like a bit of romance in poetry - a lovely write Shelley and a very different setting as well - I hear the islands of Greece calling Well done.

Thank you Maureen! I'm sure it was the last thing on your mind when you set the prompts - but there you go!

Excellent Shelley - a treat to read, and a most original use of the prompts!

Your kisses burn like searing fiery fingers on my lips. Wow M rated stuff.

Thanks Catherine ... you always say the nicest things

And you are so right Neville ... I’m expecting a business proposal from Mills & Boon any minute now, so watch this space!

Cheers Shelley

The burning fingers caught my eye too - well written Shelley.
It's good to let the mind at times to exercise the brain.

Terry