A child of priv'lege, riches, rank -
(whose father all of Rome did thank)
in widowhood, alone, steadfast;
her choice: her children – first and last.
A suitor king and crown declined;
herself would train her children’s minds.
When wealthy women, elegant,
espied her quiet preference
for simple gowns and small display
they baited her in mock dismay,
“Why, poor Cornelia, such eclipse!
Our finery your wealth outstrips!”
Cornelia shook her head, “Not so.”
The first replied, “Then send, and show!”
For I have brought my treasure chest,
with all my finest and my best!”
And so she sent for her two boys,
“These are my jewels, and my joys!”
Author notes
Cornelia's father was the general who defeated Hannibal at Carthage. Her sons became noted political reformers.
painting of this storied event: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CorneliaHalleFabre.jpg
further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornelia_Africana
***
“My children need security,
I must go out and work,”
she thought,
But their only security
in the world
is her uniquely
reassuring presence
in their daily lives,
for she is both haven and home!
A contest entry
- Autism, Poverty and Hope by melphleg.
950 points, ended June 28, 2008, 11 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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Beautifully written. So you! How could I have missed this gem?
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How gracious of you! Thank you. I DO love that story!
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Just outstanding! A beautifuly woven poem of this tale
Can't say I did not learn something today
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Poetic wisdom and a beautiful rhymed flow...
this piece reaches out with true sentiment.
Excellent to show the contrasts of what people
are willing to value and what can
easily be overlooked. Bravo on the silver! Blue
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Nice story retold. It's true children are the real treasure. I hope my friend is encouraged by your words.
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This was lovely. You completely captured the essence of the painting in words. It's a beautiful moral, thank you for writing about it. You used some unusual word choices and phrasiology; probably to fit your meter and rhyme, but very descriptive and the fact that your expressions weren't cliche was refreshing as well as thought-inducing. The first stanza was my least favorite, although it was still good. I have lots to learn from you still, mommy dear!
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Smoothly flowing lines of iambic tetrameter. I'll reveal my ignorance and ask if this is a type of sonnet? I can't quite remember all those forms. I also wish I knew more of the history...now, I'll have to resesarch the links you provided to have a finer appreciation for your poem. Very well done.
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Wonderful ...
verse celebrating some historical fact and "might-have-happened." Loved the read of this rhyrming poem. May I suggest Stanza 2, line 6 you consider dropping "all" for meter? Clever girl -- writing about the honorable Cornelia Africans and her selfless love of her two irascible boys!
Question: "herself would train her children’s minds." ... Cornelia home-schooled when it wasn't cool, eh? *s*
Brava, my friend!
-- Caroligné
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Thank you, Caroligne! I missed that one when I was beating it out. I tried redoing it with "fin'ry," but I wasn't satisfied that it would be readily taken as it was intended, instead of as something with fins!
Many thanks for your careful reading! 
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NEAT !!! REALLY NEAT 111
Indeed a beautiful piece of of poetry ... and history !!!
Both are to be very highly commended.
THE POETESS for her selection of topic, choice of words, flow of lyrical write, simplicity of style, to the point description, etc. and
THE CHILD OF PRIV'LGE for her devotion, sacrifice and keeping her head high with hope in the face of (unwanted and unjustified criticisms). It is true that such a mother is in effect A KINGMAKER.
Thnak you very much both of you.
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