Tarpeia Styled Heart

A mysterious lone man sat drinking

From a vat of burgundy red wine

With lustful eyes shadowed in the dark

 

As a beguiling your woman enters

The tavern with betrayal in her heart

Forever to tarnish her namesake

 

War was on the Roman horizon

As an abstruse deal was certified

Forever sealing a Tarpeia style fate

 

Greed, a contradiction to her beauty

An appetite for silver set the deal

As her waffle-stompers sauntered away

 

 

Author's Note

Tarpeia is a maiden who tried to betray Rome only to be chased over a cliff by the opposing army

waffle-stompers are short ankle style boots

Reviews

[TJ]

I too read this as a woman seeking revenge for a broken heart. And as the saying goes before seeking out revenge you should dig your own grave. Liked the historical reference and the images you used.
And first line of second stanza I believe should be "young woman" not "your woman"

[Hello, Goodbye]

love the specific imagery and resolute message. interesting compact write.

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Excellent use of the words! Love the story you brought out in this poem!

[KAREN]

Excellent use of the words. Great from start to finish.

[Sweets]

Writing such poems is really fun to do!
I loved this!
Thanks for sharing, and it was great!

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

A woman scorned is what came to mind after I read this the ssecond time, a perfect ember to sight, well done

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

I read it as a woman getting revenge for her man cheating on her. Revenge is certainly a one way ticket to more trouble.

[blakjassy]

great write... editing note though... was first line in the second verse meant to read beguiling young woman instead of beguiling your woman?? Not sure if I have misread this!

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the poem. A tavern, some history and a story. I like the complete poem. Ending made the story complete. I enjoy poetry that made me think. You did. A outstanding poem.
Coyote

[Lily Mae]

Thank you for sharing her story with us... always the woman is sent over the cliff or burn't at the stake... An excellent write..xx