Another Italian Sonnet

When Hearts Die

Can someone tell me why the heart keeps beat?
When nothing’s left but shattered broken parts
Like some romantic tale told in the arts,
But pain from empty years leaves no retreat,
And breathing through the tears becomes a feat.
How could we know the treasure that was heart’s
Would find its death caused by rejected darts.
A bitter end for love to finally meet.

And yet it’s measured beat the heart does keep
And lungs continue to fill up with air
Each dawn again we rise to face the day
The world around us caught up in its care
Unable to discern the souls that weep
Unknowing of the lives that lose the way.

Isabella Poliziana 06/02/07

Period Italian Sonnet

Roses of War

In line I stand upon a windless hill,
More silent than the grave I watch and wait.
Unknowing soldiers march to take the bait.
My arrow nocked with bow drawn back until
Then comes the signal high and loud and shrill!
My arrow flies to meet it’s destined fate,
The soldiers turn to flee but much too late;
The rain of arrows cease when all is still.

I see the bodies lying down below.
The smell of blood and carnage fills my nose,
And I accept my part in what’s to be.
For victory only holds a single rose,
And face the truth my heart would have me know.
The enemy I killed this day is me.

Isabella Poliziana (05/31/07)

Period poem - Pathya Vat (Cambodian)

The Vessel

Here is the clay
Lump on a wheel
Nothing to feel
Everything blurred.

Around it spins
Nothing assured
Now hope is stirred
Waiting for sight.

The potter’s hands
With gentle might
Begins the rite
Shaping the clay.

It takes the form
From hands obey
And trust someday
Value to hold.

When shape is done
No more to mold
From fire comes gold
Fit for a king.

Very short Viking Drottkvatt

Seals

Birthed by wave and water
Born to storm and tempest
Fighting first and fiercest
For those who are wounded.
Always armed with courage
Arrows fired and flying
Navel needs directing
Never leave one behind.

Bella

Period Poem "French Lai" from 14 Century

Longing

My eyes he doth meet
From across the street
I stare.

His smile tis so sweet
His voice what a treat
So fair.

My cheeks feel the heat
I shyly retreat
But where?

I have not a prayer
None know my despair
But me.

He walks with an air
The world is his lair
All see.

I know such despair
For love I can’t bear
He’d flee.

Our love cannot be
There can be no we
I sigh.

Though he has the key
To what he can’t see
I cry.

And I’ll pay the fee
For I’ll set him free
Goodbye.

Japaneese period poem - Katauta

Born in Fire
For Lord Eoin

What warrior can stand
Against lies veiled as honor
Chivalry tossed to the ground.
But when in the fire
Is steel tempered and polished
Birthing a blade to astound.

Period Viking Drottkvaett Poem - Work in Progress

In the Hall of the Mountain King
For Lord Hadrian

With epic endearment
Our eponymous peer
Descends the dark pathway
Down into depths below.

His heart bravely beating
His countenance clouded
Silent steps mark his path
Slipping down through the stone

Till truth mars his journey
And Trolls race to battle
Sweat scorched and battered
Stormy seas in his eyes

He is hunted and tracked
Hearing only salvation
When the hall collapses
And the Mountain King dies.

Hope Lingers On - A Period French Rondeau

Hope Lingers On

And hope lingers on through silent tears
She lifts her eyes as she faces her fears.
No longer young as the days unfold
Though her heart still yearns as the story is told
And the empty silence around her jeers.

Days turn to weeks and weeks to years
And still she waits for the sound her heart hears.
But age won’t be tempered that turn dreams cold
And hope lingers on.

High on the cliffs where a lonely wind sheers
She keeps her vigil though she knows the end nears.
Knights are not common and heroes grow old
But rescue from her tower would require someone bold
And though the storm rages the rain finally clears
And hope lingers on.