Jewel of the Palace

Jewel of the Palace

Silk and glass beads

in Meena Bazaar

brought your young eyes

to the beauty

of your chosen one.

Arjumand,

the perfect Persian princess,

captivated your soul,

mesmerised and transfixed

your very being.

You gifted her your trust,

held her companion and confidant,

gave her the Royal Seal

and bestowed upon her

such deep affection and favour.

Of your three blessed wives

she alone bore you fourteen heirs,

though only seven survived

to watch your adoration

carved in white marble symmetry.

So much immortal devotion,

set in the sinking mists

on the banks of the holy Yamuna,

passion wrought from living stone

the epitome of true love.

17/03/13

Reviews

[James E. Peterson]

historical and romantic. very good piece

[John Alexander McFadyen]

There is beauty in history,jewels for the writer to uncover and polish in words. Thank you Kiran

[SHEEMA HUQ]

very interesting, I was keen to hear more, i think that you are well practiced at creating biographical poetry, very well done

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Sheema but I am but learning this and experimenting.

[KAOlmsted]

I love these historical writes of yours, John...I always come away feeling as though I have learned something new, even when I am familiar with the topic, I still feel as though you have breathed new life into my old brain...thanks for that ;-)

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Kimmer. Come and rescue me from darling Frieda please!

[KAOlmsted]

Uh-oh...where are you guys? I'm still three weeks back in my RR queue xD

Always my pleasure, John.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Try 'Deep Love'

[Leslie Philibert]

I really like the way John chooses classical or historical sources for his work. The last poems I have read from him are getting better and better, fine work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

So many thank yous Leslie. I am humbled at such praise. Thank you!

[Junert]

Like the part where she had fourteen children. And more where she lost seven.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Wow that was the sad bit as she died giving birth to the fourteenth child.

[Junert]

Hmm bet she did. Fourteen is seven times two. Big number.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

He fancied the pants off her!

[Junert]

Hahahaha there's always that in your work. Lol

[jacob erin-cilberto]

not familiar with this...but like your description of it...

jacob

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Jacob, thank you. It's the Taj Mahal story about Shah Jahan and the love he had for one of his wives.

[Claire Twinn]

A very romantic place and poem. The inlaid jewels on the building and tombs are even more beautiful than the building itself, and the view from the other side of the river is breathtaking. Thanks for the reminder about the beauty of this place and of enduring love.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Hi Claire hope you are good. You are fortunate to have seen it for yourself. I am now determined to go there having read the history behind the Taj Mahal and Shah Jahan

[Trigorin]

Not bad, very mystic. You have a very fantastic tone here which suits your topic well and the imagery you use is well done. Good work.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Thank you Trigorin

[DIVYA]

This left me speechless John!

A whopping big thanks for writing such an exquisite poetry for the Taj Mahal! You captured the feeling and passion behind the great monument so awesomely. No words!

"So much immortal devotion,
set in the sinking mists
on the banks of the holy Yamuna" - Truly wondrous...! Matchless poetry!

Thanks also for presenting the facts of the great romance, so superbly!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Dear Divya, it was you who inspired me to read the beautiful tale and it makes me very happy that you enjoyed it.

[DIVYA]

I did! A lot!
This poem is a beauty.
Thanks again John!