John Newlin Poet Ode

Helen

Helen

The face that launched 
a thousand ships
smiled at me across the years.

Dark brilliant eyes
and perfect lips
reflecting in timeless mirrors.

Her poise, her grace,
her Grecian brow,
invaded my unguarded mind.

Lithe supple frame
so near somehow,
more intoxicating than the wine.

Ancient beauty,
yet so young;
the lure of fervor's afterglow?

Sweet liquid love,
from olive wrung,
forbidden fruit I dare not know.
 
My grape is too ripe
to suit the blend,
her heart lies beyond my zeal,

yet fair Helen
shall be sweet friend
and ever my Achilles heel.

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Anne-Lise Andresen January 29, 2018 at 1:07 AM - I love the description "more intoxicating than the wine" ... she is really beautiful - A lovely ode to Helen, John - //Anne-Lise :) John Newlin January 29, 2018 at 1:21 AM Yes she was. She was a colleague at work. We both were seeing others. We went to dinner on the spur of the moment after a hard day. Laughter, drinks, good food - you know the drill. I drove her home and she invited me up. We kissed in her kitchen and I knew I had a choice. Betray the one who cared for me and allow her to betray her love or to say the hardest "no" I've ever said in my life. I chose the latter.