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

[Matching Socks]

No matter what changes in our world, I believe love and honour are constant.
I love this poem Jennie. Fabulous.

[Jennie Baron]

That's a compliment from someone whose poetry is also so great. Thanks much for the good word!

[Lyn Anderson]

I really like this personal intimate history, however, I relate it to a present day situation with parallels, at least, in my mind that is how I see it.

[Jennie Baron]

You are spot on. I see Guinevere but I also see in this a much more modern woman.

[kublakhan27]

I've been an Arthur buff ever since I read The Sword in The Sword many moons ago, so I was instantly attracted to this piece by the title...you've offered a unique and original glimpse into her psyche that I had never considered before...Arthur had a larger-than-life presence, and I'm sure he would have been intimidating to her, which would have drawn her to someone like Lancelot, a mortal hero, and a little rough around the edges but chivalrous nonetheless...I enjoyed this one very much, and again, it made me look at things in a different way...great piece Jennie :)

[Jennie Baron]

Making readers look at things in a different way is what writing is all about, to some extent. When I wrote this I had in mind both Guinevere and a more modern woman thinking she faces much the same dilemma.

[kublakhan27]

You've achieved your desired effect my friend :)

[Luissanto]

A poem going back to the days of old. A writing about love, nobility and honor.
There is nothing more beautiful than that... Every time I read your writing, I am blessed
and truly amazed.
Thank You for sharing your gift.

[Jennie Baron]

You are too kind!

[Frieda P]

It's an old story, you gave it a brilliant new twist....enjoyed. Sometimes we pay for the love we covet.

[Jennie Baron]

Yes indeed, forbidden love has consequences far beyond those involved. I like that you enjoyed this, I guess it's become one of my readers' favorites. BTW, I also enjoy your work very much. Don't hesitate to send me RRs!

[Frieda P]

Indeed it does, was my pleasure, enjoyed this one immensely.

[NoelHC]

An excellent write on an old legend, very well done. I enjoyed this one.

[Jennie Baron]

Happy to hear it, and again, thanks for reading.

[Nusquam Esse]

Ahh, I remember these legends. Amazing how despite respecting both people, it feels like a force greater than you will make it impossible to resist destroying it all. I especially like your final line, I have the image of Guinevere locked away in a convent, looking at the window, wondering how she can ever redeem herself for something that felt impossible to subdue. Great word choice with penance.

[Jennie Baron]

I so appreciate your review, Nusquam. You "get" exactly what I was trying to convey with this. I had in mind Guinevere and also a more modern woman who identifies with her.

[Daydreamer]

Very nice poem! Though I didn't grasp the concept well! I don't know the story....
I love this line so much;
#I wish I could link our destinies forever,
Take my place at your side
And make your quest mine too.

Just the thought of it!!!!!😍😍😍😍

[Jennie Baron]

I never thought that someone who didn't know the stories would enjoy the poem too, but that's fascinating. Glad you liked it and thanks for reading!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

we often fall for the one who can bring us down...and the one who will save us? who wants to save us?

left back at the castle.

[Jennie Baron]

Interesting take on this, Jacob! Actually perceptive.