To Hamlet, From Ophelia

What if Ophelia wrote HAMLET a sonnet?

I know he is a prince out of my star,

His heavenly ascent leaves me too low.

Yet all my antic senses flustered are

When his celestial orbs upon me glow.

 

His great thoughts leave him always in the Sun;

Of his philosophy, I could not dream,

And such sweet breath and richness I have none,

Yet, even so, I drown in his esteem.

 

But rest, cruel heart, when wise councils forbid

Those fiery actions fueled by lovers' haste;

For, cloaked in honest habits, I am hid,

Forced, as a holy Sister, to be chaste.

 

I was the more deceived by honesty;

Alas, sweet prince, 'twas destined not to be.

Author's Note

I can safely say that I have never spent this much time on fourteen lines in my life. But they were a lot of fun to write. Suggestions?

Reviews

[Emily Elizabeth]

This is just so beautiful!
We're doing Hamlet in English literature, scarily enough, and this sounds exactly what I would imagine Ophelia would say to Hamlet. Its gorgeously written, and yet tragic and sad at the same time... the neoclassical theme was a wonderful choice... this really is beautiful, thanks so much for sharing.

[Johnny White]

Your sonnet has set within me the desire to revisit Hamlet...
and I'm not much of a Shakespeare fan.
Blasphemy! I know, I know. Rest assured that it's an educated decision.

"Yet, even so, I drown in his esteem."

That line will stick with me for years to come.
Bravo!

[W.k.kortas]

Nice little nod to the son/Sun idea. The first stanza was, in my view, just a little forced--the last two lines are a bit clunky, and I think that could be re-worked a bit. Still, I love the concept--this is exactly the kind of thing it seems Ophelia would do: write a sonnet with a bit of "I'm-not-quite-worthy" in it. Solidly done.

[Adela Muresan]

This is well penned. original, and it reflects a realistic way of loveing.

Great write sista', great write.

A.M.

[Salvatore Buttaci]

Let me tell you something: your sonnet is faultless! Beautiful!! I love it. You are a darn good poet and I love reading your well-written work.

Sal

[Angel's Lady]

OMG, this is absolutely beautifully written! Well, your time was well spent. Awesome write!

[verano]

I like your approach in this poem, offering a different perspective on Shakespeare's drama. Your lines are well thought out and masterfully written.