Carolyn Devonshire Poet Rhyme

Notes About The Poem

 

 Forbidden

 Love

Forbidden Love

Have you forgotten Eleanor Rigby?
Then step up, meet me now, for I am she.

How many weddings have I attended
where it seems a war has been suspended?

For but a few moments, these happy pairs
enjoy their lives as if they have no cares.

I picked up the rice at each wedding,
asking myself why I was attending.

Perhaps just to see our priest once more
Father McKenzie, whom I adored.

There’s no doubt that my passion was true
and that he, surely, must love me too.

So bury me now along with my name
in the cemetery’s corner of shame.

Resting in shadows, our graves can be found
with just two small headstones marking the ground.

Are you one of the lonely like us?
Do you sit alone with no mates to discuss

the remains of the day, two lives not shared?
For the good priest and I never dared

to open our hearts to both joy and pain,
leaving us solitude filled with disdain. 




* Written 8/16/2019 for Jerry T. Curtis’s “Eleanor Rigby, Who Was She” poetry contest

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Cal Bambi The Word Artist January 30, 2020 at 5:02 PM I never knew Eleanor Rigby was a real person. Judging by the headstone she did in fact exist. I enjoyed that Carolyn and the Beatles tune kept playing in my head while I read it. A lovely tribute to Eleanor.

Laura Spears November 18, 2019 at 8:27 PM Wonderful write. Love this interpretation of the song.

Richard Lamoureux October 23, 2019 at 2:51 PM congrats on your top placement. well done Carolyn.

Line Gauthier October 18, 2019 at 8:39 PM Bravo, Carolyn. Congrats on your gold medal win. Well deserved.

Andrea Dietrich October 18, 2019 at 6:10 PM wow, that was a well deserved win. YOu gave it heart, Carolyn. Congrats. An awesome poem.

DM Babbit October 18, 2019 at 12:57 PM Super write, congrats on your first place, well deserved.

Chris Green October 18, 2019 at 11:50 AM Hey, you beat me in this contest. What is up with that? : ) Hi Carolyn, just wanted to stop by and say congrats on winning this contest. Your poem was amazing. Carolyn Devonshire October 20, 2019 at 2:44 PM I'm sure it was a mistake, Chris. LOL Thanks for reading.

Jack Horne September 27, 2019 at 9:14 AM awesome write for the contest, hon - a sure winner, I'd say

Richard Lamoureux September 12, 2019 at 7:25 PM I like your first person Narrative. After all who know Eleanor better than herself. Good luck in the contest.

John Gondolf September 4, 2019 at 7:52 AM Your poem has an interesting take on this song, Carolyn, best of luck in the contest. "Eleanor Rigby" was always a song that made me stop and ponder for a while; it left me with a sad chill. To be "buried along with your name", forgotten forever is such a sad thought; this is one of the reasons I started writing, so that I leave something of me behind. Hugs, John Carolyn Devonshire October 20, 2019 at 2:46 PM Yes, I have always found this song to be compelling too, John. It's sad, but eventually our lives are forgotten.

Jennifer Proxenos September 1, 2019 at 2:43 PM Hi Carolyn, This is a magnificent poem, your interpretation is awesome - a beautiful poem of Eleanor Rigby (one of the best Beatles song). I love your creative and different approach! Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Ann Foster August 27, 2019 at 9:12 AM My heart is crying, my face is wet. I did not know this story, and you told it as a Grand Master my friend. I loved every word, every vowel, and read it twice for good measure. Hugs. Ann

Connie Marcum Wong August 23, 2019 at 12:17 AM I believe this contest had us all searching for the lady. I love what you did with this poem Carolyn. She passed on with unrequited love for her priest. I love this song too. The photo of her gravestone adds to the poignancy of your poem. I am a Beatles fan from way back as many of their songs contained real meaning. This should rate a high placement! : ) xxoo Carolyn Devonshire August 24, 2019 at 10:48 AM Oh, yes. I have always loved the Beatles too, Connie. "Eleanor Rigby" is one of their most memorable songs because of the character it describes. Thanks for reading!

Paul Callus August 21, 2019 at 1:56 PM I love your take on the Eleanor Rigby theme, Carolyn. A case of forbidden love ... a secret buried in a grave. ~ Hugs // paul Carolyn Devonshire August 21, 2019 at 3:46 PM LOL I think the film "Yesterday" inspired me to think beyond what is normally true. Thanks for reading, Paul.

Barry Stebbings August 20, 2019 at 1:13 PM Very clever and enjoyable, Carolyn. Good luck in the contest. // Barry. Carolyn Devonshire August 20, 2019 at 4:26 PM Thanks, Barry. I'll check your page.

Chris Green August 19, 2019 at 12:53 PM Wow, this was amazing Carolyn. I loved everything about this. Best wishes in the contest

Susan Ashley August 19, 2019 at 9:20 AM Your exquisite poem is a wonderfully moving interpretation of Eleanor Rigby, Carolyn, the essence of your piece is so tenderly expressed. Captivating poetry! Best wishes for a win and warmest wishes for you.. ~Susan

Anne-Lise Andresen August 19, 2019 at 8:04 AM - Beautiful and moving, Carolyn - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :) Carolyn Devonshire August 21, 2019 at 3:47 PM Thanks so much, sweetie.

Arturo Michael August 18, 2019 at 6:36 PM I like this...All the best Carolyn

Jan Allison August 18, 2019 at 5:50 PM Beautifully penned Carolyn, I read that John Lennon and Paul McCartney used to walk through a churchyard and saw the grave but have also read she is a fictional character, wherever the truth lies the original song is awesome:-) good luck in the contest so good to see you posting:-) hugs jan xx Carolyn Devonshire August 19, 2019 at 4:03 PM There are some web sites that feel Rigby was fictional and others that show this grave and say she was real. Always an interesting character in one of my favorite Beatles' songs. Thanks for reading, Jan

Silent One August 18, 2019 at 1:44 PM Yes, also in the recent movie called. 'Yesterday,' the lead character goes to visit the grave... Carolyn Devonshire August 19, 2019 at 4:21 PM Yes, I saw that movie. It was awesome! I thought of the film as soon as I saw the contest, but Eleanor Rigby has always been one of my favorite Beatles' tunes.

Tom Cunningham August 18, 2019 at 1:44 PM Love how you interpreted this Carolyn, you got me humming it now. Good luck. Hope you're well. Tom.

Silent One August 18, 2019 at 1:23 PM Great take on the contest and great take on Eleanor Rigby... Do you her grave is in Liverpool? Carolyn Devonshire August 18, 2019 at 1:25 PM Hi SO, some web sites say Eleanor Rigby was a fictional character, but others show a grave that might prove she did live. And the photo of the headstone was taken in Liverpool. Thanks for reading!