An Old Story In Rime

Just a maid just sixteen
a serving girl  a go-between
upstairs and downstairs  her scene
'til love was to intervene

She so young he the master's son
a web of attraction
begun
one rainy afternoon in June

A familiar tale oft told
of one so shy    the other bold
an affair that hot summer long
despair did conclude that song

A baby came the next Spring
but sadly sans a wedding ring
he   departed for the Great War
the wench & baby shown the door

In action  the teenage swain died
the lass & bairn   cried &   cried
the family  their kin despised
conscience money salved their pride

She another was to marry
her boy    cared for by his Granny
ne're once more to see   this first son 
none alive   know why this was done

Consequences lived on from my tale
as an   emotionally   crippled  .male.

 Brian Strand | Year Posted 2010
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Gilmour Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 11:25 PM
How often this happened and how often the child was the one most damaged emotionally. Such a good write Brian and reminds me too of someone much closer to home. Kindest thoughts Ann xx
Strand Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 11:50 PM
Human nature being so ,as you say Ann it is a familiar tale ,in part at least
Allison Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 4:23 AM
a sad scenario that I am sure has happened so many times. excellent in as ever Brian:-) hugs Jan xx
Strand Avatar
September 6, 2021 at 5:25 AM
A true story Jan,with some poetic licence because of reticence to reveal more by the child mentioned
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