My days grow short like shadow’s
as I linger in a prison
where you have locked me away.
A frosty heart beats cold
within my breast
‘longside fear and wonder
at my import to the weal of my sovereign
and his kingdom.
No one weeps for me
I am deserted,
a creature of those
who crushed my youth
and cringe in my sight,
mercilessly willing this head to fall.
Here I am beggared
denied all comfort,
no dignity, no felicity,
nor glimmer of hope
as I etch my conflict into the walls
during times of failed reason.
It was you
sent me letters a plenty
sealed with rich promises
to assuage an unreasoned passion.
It was you
rode like the wind to my door
knelt, kissed my feet,
swore eternal love;
vowing to honour my name with your own;
making purchase of a Queen.
Now I fear the warm hands
that once caressed my breasts
and rocked my loins
looming closer,
cold like steel about my tiny neck,
their passion wrecked
by powerful dichotomy.
Wherein these stony walls
I am become a wretch
for having failed a dynasty.
Now I am sent by thee
to stand alone
on the bloody stage
of thy life
and future memory.
Aye! mine own executioner,
know that the sweet babe
of our union
will owe you no fealty,
for she is blood of my blood
flesh of my flesh,
bone of my bone;
measure this
against the pittance of thy seed.
She will raise herself in true majesty,
a Queen, a Goddess,
A wise, yea even wiser Queen
for thy paternal fatuity.
Resign,
we share a destiny.
Author notes
Henry the Eigth of England rid himself of his Queen, Ann boleyn by having her beheaded. It does seem she was unable to give him a longed for son and heir. Instead, Elizabeth the first was his legacy and more honour than this cruel king deserved.
A contest entry
- Lets Go Historical by ScarsFade.
510 points, ended July 17, 10 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - .*•.¸History.¸.•*. by fairy princess k.
630 points, ended August 10, 22 entries
Honorable mention
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - allpoetry's best historical poet; you? by epitome.
300 points, ended October 23, 54 entries
• next poem in this contest, • Add to finalists list, or remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
1 - 10 of 10
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Nice poem, final stanza could have stood as a poem on its own! Beautiful interpretation, even if I don't agree with it! Everything I've read suggests that Anne was manipulative and stole Henry from the deserving Queen. She was also said to be hated by her people, as they clamoured for Seymour to ascend the throne. Historical debating aside, really good poem.
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Thank you epitome, I don't think I raised her up in any way here. but Henry did persue her for a long time with letters gifts and grand promises. then when it suited him he had her head chopped off and did so again to another wife . Ann tried hard to win her subjects by giving generously- money to the poor, but her opposition and her arrogance were her downfall it was all too late..
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kool
Kool poem =) it is brilliant and what i am looking for in my contest, i like stanzas 2 , 3 and 4 fantastic , wonderful k.
byyyyyyyyyyye k -
what is it about?you need to put it to an actual event in history you can either just write it in the notes or tellme either way i need to know....anyways besides that it was an eloquently well thought out piece i enjoyed reading it....good luck and much <3....scars.
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This is a seriously fabulous work of art! It is historically set,yet specifics are left to our imaginations and memories. The language is absolutely accurate to the ear, with magnificent words that we don't often hear or read. I am so impressed!
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Goodness, the bitterness in these lines accumulated until I could taste it, and the threat is not an idle one. This could be about the last of the Tudors, but my knowledge of history is not the best. This is strong emotive writing, I like it.
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OMGosh! This sounds like a scene straight out of a Shakespear play! Your language is amazing and so befitting the period (something you are so good at). You tell the scene with such emotion that the images of her resentment become very clear. This shows your talents my friend. Well done...alby
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I love this
your word useage is outstanding and detailed to understand, keep sharing and I will try and keep reading, thank you...
Linda
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Very good title, invites further reading. Excellent imagery in "my days grow short like shadows." Timely vocabulary usage, with "weal" and "beggared." Outstanding "I am sent by thee to stand alone on the bloody stage." Very nicely incorporated "my tiny neck," as Anne was reputed to have commented.
To tie in with "my days grow short" and the elements of "frosty heart: and "cold", you might possibly add "like winter shadows". [no apostrophe in "shadows"]
I am not sure, but what do you think of "None weep for me"?
Possibly "willing this head to fall/that theirs might be spared" or somesuch?
I like your imagery with "I etch my conflict into the walls."
Love the "letters aplenty." I am not sure "assuage" [ease, satisfy] is the word you were looking for, as letters were certainly not all he was after! Possibly "plead an unreasoned passion"?
Beautiful "rode like the wind to my door/knelt, kissd my feet, swore eternal love." Excellent "making purchase of a Queen."
I enjoyed this, with its historical background.
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Thank you Mirthyl, I have sent you a more detailed comment by P M
Assuage, He sent letters of deep longing and even sexy, pouring out his need to be satisfied while he awaited, desperate for a reply easing his pain of seperation (or so he said) as she kept him at arms length for some goodly time.
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