Guinevere

A tip of the hat to the legends of King Arthur that I love so much.

Saying “I love you” is complicated

Because I also stand in awe of you,

Your wisdom, your intelligence,

Your lofty ideals,

Your singleness of purpose,

Your nobility.

 

I could sit at your feet for hours

Listening to your eagerness, your drive

In your quest for your Holy Grail.

I wish I could link our destinies forever,

Take my place at your side

And make your quest mine too.

 

You envision my doing so,

But I fear I’m Guinevere.

I’ll ruin everything you stand for,

Everything you are.

 

I love another in a different way.

He’d be my Lancelot

He’d be my downfall

If we gave in to each other.

 

His nobility’s beyond question, too,

Part of what draws me to him.

But all notions of chivalry aside,

This may be stronger than both of us.

 

You may be a hero;

You may raise the world from a new Dark Age.

You may fall victim to a Morgan

Who will deceive you with black magic

And lay your Camelot to waste

And no Merlin could prevent it.

 

I won’t be part of that evil,

As much guilt as I bear.

Yet, in spite of myself,

Am I doomed to be part of a disaster

And spend the rest of my days in penance?

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

"Guinevere"
Jennie Barron,
I was taken with the reality of how we are best when we pursue what is ours. These legends proclaim lessons for us today. What is ours to pursue? Do we know? Sometimes with emotion, passion which is channeled in a way which may turn out with negative consequences we learn lessons. You have really written an important piece. One which is worth thinking on.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Jennie Baron]

Well said, Kathy! I always appreciate your reading and opinions.

[MomzillaNC]

This is a great melding of the cautionary tale of love and fidelity in the relationships between Arthur, Guinevere, and Lancelot to concepts of fidelity challenged in our modern lives. Well penned.

[Jennie Baron]

I'm honored to see those words from such an accomplished poet in her own right. Thanks so much!

[MomzillaNC]

😳😊😌 Awww… you make me blush!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Jennie🎭🎶... I am wed to both King Arthur and Lancelot
in the spirit of one person. My cup runneth over.
Your poetry encompasses the passion that life
affords. It is a trail of tranquility and tears. truly, Pat

[Jennie Baron]

Well said, Pat! I'm so honored to have you read and review. This poem has been around a while but is still one of my favorites.

[VALORMORE DE PLUME]

This is a wonderful analogy to the story of King Arthur and Guinevere. Love this. Well done.

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you so very much! I haven't posted poetry in some time but I'm always glad for readers and kind reviews.

[VALORMORE DE PLUME]

I haven't been here much of late. Spend too much time on facebook, saw you there at wepaw.

[Renée]

Oh Jennie..this is a great piece..brings us in, as if we are listening to her mind swirl with thoughts, in the middle of the night. Makes one wonder...can we be stronger, than destiny ?

[Sami Khalil]

A legendary write full of the classics. You bring the classics alive...:)....................

[Jennie Baron]

Your reading and your opinion are much appreciated and invaluable. I've been uninspired poetically lately and maybe I'll return to some other cherished classics.

Let me take this opportunity to let you know that I'm considering turning off read requests, but should that happen, I'm always happy to read your poems if you message me. It's a privilege, in fact. I simply have a lot on my plate and feel it necessary to limit my online contacts.

[Sami Khalil]

Oh, I understand. Thank you too for all...:)....

[Oberon Duke]

As a lifelong fan of Arthurian legend, this is a real treat to read. The way you use metaphor is excellent. Thanks for this!

[Jennie Baron]

I'm not surprised you'd like this one, what with your Robin Hood story! I had in mind both Guinevere and a more modern woman experiencing similar conflict and heartache.

[B.J]

Wow an incredible read, I enjoyed the legend created by so much vivid imagery

[Jennie Baron]

I'm very pleased that you enjoyed it. I've been gratified by the response to this one. Thanks!

[B.J]

The legends of different times, intriguing to me. So inviting to read.

[Jennie Baron]

Absolutely. Maybe I'll come up with poetic versions of other legends.

[B.J]

great will wait to read

[Delmar Cooper]

Admirable version of the legends from Guinevere's point of view. You manage to present the dicotomy brilliantly and in a fresh manner. It was a pleasure to read this re-telling. My favorite line in Tennyson's Idylls is from" Lancelot and Elaine," and like your presentation of the Guinevere problem the narrator sums up the Lancelot problem: "His honor rooted in dishonor lay and faith unfaithful kept him falsely true."

[Jennie Baron]

Thanks so much for your valuable review and for taking the time to read (and for sharing the Tennyson, it's truly interesting)!

[Norah]

A marvelous piece of poetry indeed, excellent write :D

[Jennie Baron]

Thank you very much indeed! The response has been gratifying.

[Norah]

My pleasure :)