Joy

A sestina describing a Fall Story.

Joy

I.

In times of legend a maiden did steal,

From her loving maker, so old and wise,

An ancient gift that no mortal should hold,

A great power that he had thought long lost.

When he found her he began to cry,

Knowing that she would never feel joy.

 

II.

He knew this gift had taken away her joy,

A harsh price placed on those who steal.

And although now she would never cry,

To think that she is happy is not wise,

For although she is blessed, her soul is lost.

Such a cruel exchange for the power she holds.

 

 

III.

So now you know the gift she holds.

A cursed vessel for this power, named joy.

And you see the price and what she’s lost,

A threefold penance when she chose to steal

This ancient force from her maker wise,

And so what’s left for him, but to cry?

 

IV.

He knows she feels nothing when he does cry,

And will never wish to comfort or to hold,

And he knows that she will never be wise,

For although she can give, she cannot feel joy.

He knows it began with her temptation to steal,

He sees also redemption is all but lost.

 

V.

She will be cursed to wonder earth alone and lost

Passing mortal men, who laugh and cry,

She will see nobles, peasants, even those who steal,

And all of whom to their loving chest can hold

A newborn babe, and be overwhelmed with joy.

He knows that its feeling such joy that makes you wise,

 

VI.

And it’s because of this that she cannot be wise.

His favourite creation now wonders lost,

Alone and empty, radiating joy.

He sees her fate and can't help but cry,

But even he her creator, does not hold,

The power to take back that which she chose to steal

 

So never should you steal, it is rarely wise,

And do not try to hold onto that which was lost,

For even if the gift is joy, think of the creator left to cry.

 

Author's Note

Please do not comment on structure ie the repitition of words etc. unless you know what a sestina is...sorry if that sounds mean, but this is written the way it looks for a reason if you do know however know what they are then feel free to let loose