Moonlight and Magnolias

A poem about courting in the nineteenth century

In the rose colored softness

of the courtyard our hands touch,

pull back in haste.

 

Your Duenna*

Thank God

failed to notice.

 

The sky fades to conch shell pink

high clouds ripple

over amethyst hills.

 

Surreptitiously

 my hand seeks yours---

 If only she would glance away

 

your Duenna

but no she watches

like a hawk...

 

Her fierce, beady eyes unblinking,

 her long aquiline nose like a

raptor's beak searching for prey.

 

The sky is beautiful

deep rusty red. Surely

she will take notice?

 

A nightingale warbbles in the arbor

 she glances toward the darkling trees.

Our lips touch--- briefly.

 

*Duenna- An older female family member who chaperones the courting of a young lady

 she goes where they go---- everywhere.

 

 

 

Reviews

[Valentine]

Nice ome..I see you are getting your touch with words back..good..Kathie

[Angela]

Ahh, the wretched duenna, lol. Love this piece, gentle soft and longing.

[Kiri Nells]

Another so heartfelt and beautiful piece! Great write!