Alisa

I couldn’t sleep in the stableyard,

I couldn’t sleep in the house,

I crept around in the dark out there

As quiet as any mouse,

With just one name in my fevered brain

It was all I could do to think,

Alisa, oh Alisa, you

Have blotted my mind with ink.

 

Since ever you came to stay last month

I’ve been besotted with you,

My eyes would follow you round the room

Though I hadn’t wanted them to,

I hoped that your eyes would follow me

As I served the Lord, His Grace,

Dressed in the finest livery

But you turned away your face.

 

I know I’m only a servant here

But my heart’s as big as the Moon,

And you are the daughter of an Earl

With a fortune coming soon,

You could have your pick of a dozen men

With titles, Barons and Earls,

But you’ll never find love as deep and fine

As the meanest of servant girls.

 

For you have money and they have love,

For that is all that they want,

While you’re betrothed to a Stately Home

And a man of provenance,

He’ll barely notice you once you’ve wed

Your fortune to his estate,

He’ll sit at the gambling tables, while

You’re pondering on your fate.

 

He’ll sally forth in his hunting while

He’ll keep you busy at home,

Lording it over the servants hall

Or you’ll spend your hours alone.

Once he’s certain that you’re enceinte

He’ll look in, once in a while,

To see that you raise the future Lord

In a certain lordly style.

 

Alisa, why can’t you see it

You could be more than fancy free,

Roaming over the countryside

In a horse and chaise, with me,

We’d sleep out there in a haystack

Under the warm and starry skies,

And every time that you looked my way

You’d see lovelight in my eyes.

 

I’d treat you more like a princess than

Some lord, with cynical stare,

Who leaves to meet with his mistress

In some attic, in Mayfair,

We’d find us a little cottage

On the moors, you’d bake the bread,

We’d drink the fruit of the vine until

It’s time to go to bed.

 

My heart is just about bursting, so

I’ve written you this note,

Thinking you’ll never find it, but

I can always live in hope,

I’ll always love you Alisa, ‘til

The stars fall from the sky,

And when I am old I’ll read it, and

I’ll sit and wonder - ‘Why?’

 

You must have gone through my letters

For you stare, as never you’ve done,

Dressed in a pair of jodhpurs

With your hair, tied up in a bun,

You turn and beckon me out to you

And my heart drops down to the floor,

You say, ‘I haven’t a chaise, my love,

I’ve got us a coach and four!’

 

David Lewis Paget

Reviews

[Glen Yumang Manese]

Every time I read one of yours --- I know what to expect...I mean --- the style...not the story...but...always leaves the reader with a refreshing outlook at your work...let me know when you do another voice prompt of these verses...gives that add touch --- good to read you again...

[Forgotten]

I love the style of your work David and this poem is based around beautiful period in life which I wish that I could have lived within. You are a storyteller at heart and a master of your craft, A brilliant write here and I see no fault within it.

[Valentine]

Have you been watching Downton Abbey ? This was written so well and for once a happy ending..at lest I pray it was for both of them..Kathie

[Natasha]

brilliant storytelling once again david

[Jack...]

Very satisfying is this poetic journey of love blooming and finally taking root. Dreams that come true is always a pleasing read. Nice work.

[Marie]

Well, a ballad with a happy ending--but I hope Alisa doesn't regret her choice.

[Clayton Bardwell]

Thank you David, I love it.

It's amazing to say the least.

[David Scott]

Ha... Dare to dream! Dare to make love known.
This poem sang off the tongue. I enjoyed it like a memory of Spring in this cold Winter season.
Thank you David for sharing this.

[Pure Hope]

This is just awesome David, I really love it!! The whole story kept me enthralled so that I couldn't tear myself away. Your rhymes were beautiful and the ending was wonderful, since there was a "fairy tale" happy ending. Kudos!! ~jennifer

[Adam Lebzo -RonninWarri..]

WoW! so emotional and greatly penned
Its so deep and wonderful
Enjoyed it to the full
another epic