John Rolfe

TERZA RIMA DOE

I have no use for some romantic tale

of a life spared under the Jamestown sun--

of a man whose quest for his holy grail

unearthed seven savage kingdoms (which he won).

My pulse fails to quicken at the thought

of how many militia he’d outrun.

And my affection can’t be sold or bought

with a chivalrous story his lips impart

of feathered chieftains whose company he sought.

I prefer the widower’s weathered heart:

a broken tune only time can sing to,

a simple portrait of a spirit aching to restart.

So when the ideal night refuses those perfect shades of blue,

and the sun fails on the fields of fantasy--then I’ll find you.

Author's Note

Wrote this one about a year ago.

Reviews

[emipoemi]

This is fantastically written. A fine use of the terza rima form. Your musicality is a bit wonky here and there, but the imagery and narrative are well spun. Well done!