The Prodigal of Ys
I can not breathe though I confess the rolling of the tide
My blood and sinews straining at the tolling of the bells
For I have come a goodly league from any friendly shore
And drowned beneath, submerged there lay the proof before my eyes
Despised, though still enchanting all the chambers of my heart
Shimmer-dark and darker dream, the prodigal of Ys
She was a dream resplendent, nestled deep the pearl of Ys.
A shining town fair bustling nigh the sea and beating tide
Replete with many wonders and such song to rouse the heart
And merrily her towers rung and chimed with many bells
While voices leapt and children sang, all joy within their eyes
What better place could ere be found on this or any shore
Yet lurking in the depths of thought, the daunting of the shore
Forever lay a breath beyond the shielding gates of Ys
Though ancient locks remain a stalwart shield between their eyes
Upon their mirth and heady life, advanced a shadow tide
But from beneath that crushing weight chimed silver, shining bells
Their music light and airy raised the troubled brooding heart
Through decadence and waste there crept a black and cankered heart
A lady garbed in mystery, she came from distant shore
So quick to smile, a wicked grin beheld the pensive bells
"A pearl should not refuse the sea", so spake this one to Ys
And just beyond far stronger beat the rumor of the tide
The darker promise writ into deceiving lambent eyes
Her graceful fair and alabaster skin enchanted eyes
As well she blushing sweet ensorcelled quick a yearning heart
Beating still and nearer lurked the pounding, crushing tide
She plied her net with care, as one would snare beyond the shore
A lusting man with gasping mouth, this paragon of Ys
Quick he thrust the key to her and silence claimed the bells
In silence grew a fearful clamor, wildly strident bells
The portals bared, the locks sprung wide to terror stricken eyes
And pouring down in torrents strong the ocean fell on Ys
Consumed the laughter and the mirth, swept down the beating heart
Into the valley spilled the flood so long beyond the shore
She smiled and with her brethren disappeared into the tide
I linger, drift upon dark Ys, and harken to its bells
Behold the tide while cormorants sweep wailing near my eyes
'Quick away my weary heart; forget this spectral shore
My blood and sinews straining at the tolling of the bells
For I have come a goodly league from any friendly shore
And drowned beneath, submerged there lay the proof before my eyes
Despised, though still enchanting all the chambers of my heart
Shimmer-dark and darker dream, the prodigal of Ys
She was a dream resplendent, nestled deep the pearl of Ys.
A shining town fair bustling nigh the sea and beating tide
Replete with many wonders and such song to rouse the heart
And merrily her towers rung and chimed with many bells
While voices leapt and children sang, all joy within their eyes
What better place could ere be found on this or any shore
Yet lurking in the depths of thought, the daunting of the shore
Forever lay a breath beyond the shielding gates of Ys
Though ancient locks remain a stalwart shield between their eyes
Upon their mirth and heady life, advanced a shadow tide
But from beneath that crushing weight chimed silver, shining bells
Their music light and airy raised the troubled brooding heart
Through decadence and waste there crept a black and cankered heart
A lady garbed in mystery, she came from distant shore
So quick to smile, a wicked grin beheld the pensive bells
"A pearl should not refuse the sea", so spake this one to Ys
And just beyond far stronger beat the rumor of the tide
The darker promise writ into deceiving lambent eyes
Her graceful fair and alabaster skin enchanted eyes
As well she blushing sweet ensorcelled quick a yearning heart
Beating still and nearer lurked the pounding, crushing tide
She plied her net with care, as one would snare beyond the shore
A lusting man with gasping mouth, this paragon of Ys
Quick he thrust the key to her and silence claimed the bells
In silence grew a fearful clamor, wildly strident bells
The portals bared, the locks sprung wide to terror stricken eyes
And pouring down in torrents strong the ocean fell on Ys
Consumed the laughter and the mirth, swept down the beating heart
Into the valley spilled the flood so long beyond the shore
She smiled and with her brethren disappeared into the tide
I linger, drift upon dark Ys, and harken to its bells
Behold the tide while cormorants sweep wailing near my eyes
'Quick away my weary heart; forget this spectral shore
posted by David Humes at 10:04 PM
1 Comments:
David,
Very nice work here. Narrative elements are strong and cohesive, sustained throughout, which is difficult to do effectively with this form. Good, inventive use of the end words, as well as good resolve in the envoi. Mysterious, musical, seems like the start of a 19th century novel. Or a sequence of sestinas. That could be a very good project to take on, should you be looking for more things to do with your admirable creative writing talents.
Best Wishes,
Chris Murray
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