Gardenias

The heady scent that summer evening 
glorified a lady much adored; 
musky premonitions of an unrequited love, 
a passion much too deep to be ignored. 

All-consuming frenzy, reason did not rule 
his fevered mind. She had said, 'no more!' 
yet he can't accept her condemnation, won't endure 
a heartache that would cut him to the core. 

Another man vied for her favours, 
she answered in kind with a vow 
to be faithful for evermore, sealed with a kiss, 
what obstructions would hamper her now? 

The two men met at dawn with pistols drawn, 
back to back they readied for the fray, 
their seconds stood at hand to ensure a fair result, 
one man would lose his life that fateful day. 

Gardenias fill the air with the fragrance of desire; 
two men at odds, emotions frayed, yet resolute. 
Two shots resound through early morning light, 
one man lies dead, the other's hopes are moot.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Dietrich Avatar
December 30, 2012 at 8:57 PM
wow, you did a really good job with this one. I see so few people using enjambment and it's obvious this has been cleverly crafted. Love it!
Collins Avatar
December 30, 2012 at 7:36 AM
Dear Keith - Gone the duels of a lovesick fool. Now we have the assault weapon used for lesser reasons. love you, Kathy
Bauer Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 5:35 PM
i love the way you've used the scent of gardenias to weave this poem together and you've done that quite brilliantly. your language is exquisite, as always...
Ellison Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 5:01 PM
You take us back to another time and place in the well written piece! Really enjoyed it my friend! Kudos!
Cooper Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 3:35 PM
lovely fragrant poem Keith
Maverick Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 2:29 PM
Ahh..The savagery of desire Keith, the fragrence Of the flower...All independant of reason and Interdependant of those decisions and actions Of the hour.."
Andresen Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 1:32 PM
A very good poem, Keith. - Glad I chose your poem tonight. - Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful and happy Christmas! - *** oxox / / Anne-Lise :) *** -
Williams Avatar
December 20, 2012 at 1:05 PM
Keith I like this a lot as well as Gardenias...David
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