Keith Bickerstaffe Poet Quatrain

Magnolias

The heady scent of summer nights 
will glorify a lady much adored;
musky premonitions of an unrequited love, 
a passion much too deep to be ignored.

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

Magnolias 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 lie mute.

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Elizabeth Wesley May 20, 2012 at 10:02 AM This must have happened back in the olden days when dueling might get the prize. Cana't imagine anything so roma ntic hapening today. Love the scent in this!

Dane Ann Smith-Johnsen May 2, 2009 at 5:23 PM Woah, The ills of obsessive passion. Well written, Keith. The end was actually a surprise. Excellent writing. Love, Dane

Laurie Ginn May 2, 2009 at 9:21 AM This certainly took a twist I wasn't expecting. I think of the violence of life now and when you think back that a dishonor could lead to a duel let alone a love. As a stupid kid I reember thinking it sounded romantic but how happy would the couple be. Reason rules. Nice job kiddo.

John Loving Iii May 2, 2009 at 8:15 AM being from that part of the country where magnolia is the state tree. i picture a duel back in fairy tale days. but today ? what woman is worth it? jhl