And so my date with death is near
I will not weep or beg to stay,
for darkness wields its scoffing jeer
when love’s wrapped in a spiked bouquet.
You charmed me with your savoir faire
triggered my dreams with boundless love,
oh what a fool, so unaware
I played your game with little shove.
I yearned for more than just romance
craving rapture at any price,
you were the music to my dance
playing the tune that would entice.
But David, how you pushed too far
crushed me with your selfish will,
you broke my heart, cad that you are
I couldn’t swallow your bitter pill.
I raised the gun up to your head
now haunted thoughts mock the banging.
soon we will share an earthy bed
It’s a good day for a hanging!
Author notes
After the murder of her boyfriend, racing driver, David Blakely, Ruth Ellis, aged 28, was the last lady executed in the UK, at Holloway Prison on 13 July 1955.
A contest entry
- #116 Winklings on Wednesdays: Write a poem about women in death by Lyndon.
1500 points, ended September 15, 2008, 10 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 12 of 12
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I learned something new.Very tastfully written and a good reason to write it.I will look into more about this person when I get the chance to.you did a great job writing this and it was easy to follow and to understand.
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I think we said "27 to 36 lines"?
Polaja has commented very well, I feel, on this poem.
As Richard says, the rhyme and metre are well-nigh perfect. We do tend to sympathise with a woman more than with a man when the situation is reversed; I say this for both sexes. Thank you for an enjoyable read.
Lyndon.
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Oh my - this is such a powerful poem - I really loved reading this
the way you have written this brings a whole new level of strength to Ruth - and the last stanza is especially excellent in showing a kind of detachment that probably didn't make sense 
but the idea is that I really loved this! The imagery was fantastic - and the rhyme was beautifully done too - I wish you the best of luck in the contest!
Keep writing
Polly
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So sad.
Thank goodness that hangings are not carried out anymore.
You have written great verse with good rhyme and metre in your poem.
I like the feeling and the drama as it makes me wonder about why she murdered him.
I like the use of the first person as it makes it more personal to me.
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wow, you know i love history lessons about killers, and i didn't know this, keep it flowing and good luck in the contest
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Wow, you have a fantastic array of vocabulism and i love reading your work, you can turn your hand to anything!! Excelllent write my friend
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The fury of the woman scorned is legendary; toying with someone's affection is a hazardous game. Your poem shows her motivation and gives us sympathy for her, as she faces the consequences with courage.
I enjoyed the poem, thanks for this story! Best of luck to you in the judging.
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Oooo a true story and I remember reading this,she was reviled I think, I loved the poem the theme the rhyme and flow ,and the omo,
"I played your game with a little shove" xcellent
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To take the life of a loved one is killing a part of yourself I imagine, most times suicide follows. This is a tragic story, she may have went willingly to her death to be with her lover. She was a pretty lady.
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Whew!!!
Glad I wasn't actually present! You took me on gruesome trip girl! Quite powerful this poem of yours! Great form and cadence! Superb imagery! Well done!
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Wow! A wry end to great poem. Every one of your metaphors drew me in deeper: spiked bouquet, bitter pill. And anyone who can use savoir faire in a poem deserves my applause.
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Good form
very dark
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