Notes About The Poem

For the D Form - Dramatic Verse Poetry Contest of .constance La France

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A Tragic Tale

"If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is." - Michael Douglas

I have a tragic tale to tell.
This story’s true, so listen well
so you won’t let the devil’s spawn
lure you with an evil con.

A lovely woman close to me
is on a path of misery
because her husband got deceived
by “short trades” very ill-conceived.

Online he met a female shark
who saw him as an easy mark.
A lot of money he amassed. 
Millions even – it came fast.

I told the woman not to let
her spouse do things he would regret.
How could his wealth be so immense
in such short time? It made no sense.

Some things are too good to be true.
That was the most obvious clue.
There was so much that seemed amiss.
I told her, “Get him out of this.”

He got his parents to invest,
and then he did his very best
to find a friend with cash on hand -
a huge one-hundred sixty grand!

Oh my, and then the woman’s spouse
borrowed cash against their house.
Two hundred grand! He dipped into
their life insurance and pensions too.

Her spouse did things behind her back.
Why was he blind and so off track?
The old male friend who trusted him
lost so much money. Things are grim.

Their lot in life had not been bad.
But discontent her husband had
because he wanted more and more.
But look what life now has in store.

Their life is now a living hell.
I hope their house they still can sell.
This woman did not have to go along
and sign the second mortgage. That was wrong.

Undoubtedly her spouse is filled with shame.
His lovely wife now too shares some blame
for trusting in him when instead
she could have stopped the madness as it spread.

I’d told this lady, “Stop your husband, please.”
His lust for wealth is a disease.
His children’s futures he has hurt.
The scams online are piss and dirt.

This lovely lady’s now so stressed
because her spouse is so hard-pressed
to know exactly what to do.
Since all is lost, what will ensue?
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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La France Avatar
August 7, 2024 at 1:52 PM
Andrea, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderful poem, well done, like the quote too, Constance
Goldsmith Avatar
July 15, 2024 at 1:05 PM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading your sad but true tale. It goes on all the time. Too Bad... Have a blessed day writing away.................
Woods Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 10:38 AM
Nice rhymes! A good warning tale not to be deceived or be taken by greed! Xo
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:23 PM
Thanks. And for sure. It happens all the time
Mcintosh Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:18 AM
WOW. this is amazing poetry but such a sad story. I do hope it isn't true of anyone you knew, though I'm sure it has happened to more than a few. Congrats on the top win and God bless you too. Love, Gina
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:23 PM
Thanks. And sadly I know them well.
mysore Avatar
July 13, 2024 at 7:17 PM
grim story it is, congratulations dear poet. happy writing.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:24 PM
Thank you
Crandall Avatar
July 13, 2024 at 3:30 PM
Andrea, very well described, and on point, and very sad.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:24 PM
Thanks, David
Beaufort Avatar
July 8, 2024 at 8:09 AM
Andrea, a great lesson for sure you have shared. Seems that the number of victims gets larger and larger each year. The poetic structure you used works really well, and makes us wonder what will happen to these people. "Greed is good," turns out not to be an absolute.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:25 PM
Time will tell . . .what will happen. Thanks, Ink
George Avatar
July 7, 2024 at 5:18 AM
Online trickery and snares are increasing day by day. Some are so gullible and fall prey to the allure of earning quick money. Instead of your repeated warnings, your friend didn't caution her husband, that the whole family is now on the verge of doom. You have narrated this story in the most convincing manner that we feel for the plight of the family. This beautifully rhyming poem is also a warning to everyone.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:25 PM
Thanks, dear
Bayles Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 7:29 AM
So sad, but a story told in beautiful poetry and rhyme.
Dietrich Avatar
July 14, 2024 at 7:23 PM
Thanks, Mike
Rodgers Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 6:34 AM
Dear Andrea, When I opened and read your poem I thought, what a powerful and heartbreaking situation we get ourselves into. Of course, your gifted storytelling is so compelling. I almost felt I was watching this tragedy unfold before me, especially the way you've captured the slow descent into financial ruin. Yes, it is truly impactful! I worry about the older population and the dangers of get-rich-quick schemes and other scams. I also want to reflect that your rhyme and rhythm add to the story's urgency, making it feel like a cautionary tale that needs to be heard and remembered by all. – Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel
Dietrich Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 10:39 AM
It leads to so much financial ruin. Everyone must be on guard
Empress Avatar
July 4, 2024 at 12:01 PM
Wow, to trust an online con artist, is just a shame definitely. But unfortunately so many intelligent people too fall for those scammers tactics as they are clever: iv seen so many of these situations especially on instagram. And we try to raise awareness on this, to prevent people from getting conned like this. I hope this poem reaches many more: and youv written very well . Dramatic verse: need to try this: but im naturally dramatic also in my poems haha best wishes sweet andrea. Favin this
Dietrich Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 12:46 AM
Thanks. I really don't know how to be dramatic .Maybe I should have the guy plunge a knife through his heart or something
One Avatar
July 4, 2024 at 11:57 AM
This is great storytelling.. However, I did not find it that dramatic.. but that might just be me.. Best of luck in the contest.. loved the rhyme and meter to this one...
Dietrich Avatar
July 5, 2024 at 12:44 AM
Thanks
Edmonds  Avatar
July 4, 2024 at 2:51 AM
What a dreadful situation to be in, I feel for your friend Andrea… Beryl
Dietrich Avatar
July 4, 2024 at 11:08 AM
Thanks, Beryl.
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