Carrie Richards Poet Narrative

O' Wheel of Fortune

My heart shrivels dry, blackened rose in bitter anguish, ...
 Do you feel my pain? 
   Why must the flame of day dwindle dim? 
    O' fortune, like the moon, changeable, waxing and waning
       Oppressing me, first with power's soothing stroke
            To take it all away!
 Poverty of my spirit lies in love's immortal wake
 Why fate of fortune, cruel regard, forsaken me?
              
                 
Vain, and shadowed, I waver between the balance
Such agony is mine!
Day and night, everything defies me? 
Great is my grief!
One cure,  escape me from the throes of my misery !! 
I beg, the Gods... hear my wail, hear my plea
Would fate be cured by kiss, one look, one sign, devotion? !

This wretchedness is black, I taste bitter ash!
Keep dark night hidden in the depth of your heart, o' moon !!

I am like a leaf, played with by the wind
I am like a light hovering bird, chains cannot bind me !!
Salvation comes with desire, one touch
Do not turn the eyes away...!
I cannot be shamed! 
Torment me not, o' heartless moon!!

Wheel of fortune spins my heart...I beg to win love's prize !!
  Without it, I will bemoan the wounds of fortune with weeping eyes 
            .... and I am cursed as I fall from the peak of glory....
                         into the depths of the valley of despair !!




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protogothic entry: for Amy's Contest:
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Inspired by the classical music, "Carmina Burana"
A cantata, written between l935-36 by German composer Carl Orff.
This passionate work was based on ancient poems hand-scribed in Latin...these parchment 
manuscripts discovered in a Bavarian monastery in l803.  They were believed to have been 
written by students of the clergy (monks) sometime during the 11-13th century.
This familiar music has been used in numerous film scores..quite dramatic and powerful

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Dr.Ram Mehta March 1, 2014 at 8:23 AM Congrats on the win. The flowing expressions, carrie

Trudy Diane Rider April 29, 2009 at 1:09 PM This piece is passionate and vivd Carrie! Congratulations on placing in Brians contest also! ~Trudy

Raul Moreno April 29, 2009 at 12:09 PM Congrats on your placement in the contest Carrie, beautiful work...Raul

Brian Strand April 29, 2009 at 12:32 AM Congrats on your success in my Fanfare contest Carrie,my latest contest Pentecost Praise is now open.Rgds Brian

Daver Austin April 15, 2009 at 5:59 AM PASSIONATE, as is Carmina Burana. The monks had a vivid secular side also. I once played Carmina with a conductor who got so emotional he actually frightened us. As usual, your poetry is irresistible. Love, daver

Colin Mitchell Williams April 14, 2009 at 2:58 PM terrific intensity Carrie .... last stanza, my favorite.... stroke of genius here

Carolyn Devonshire April 14, 2009 at 2:37 PM The cantata inspired you to write exceptional poetry. Each verse flows like part of a song. Sad feelings of joy "turning to anguish," but you express the impact the cantata had on you so well. Outstanding work, Carrie!

Derrick Burton April 14, 2009 at 12:27 PM This is beautiful and well written but you already know that right? enjoyed and have a great day.

L'Nass Shango April 14, 2009 at 7:50 AM I do not know this song, but I want to sing it, and keep it from your pen a darling favorite.

L'Nass Shango April 14, 2009 at 7:48 AM And now bemoan the wounds of fortune with weeping eyes You gave the old song new meaning with verse above quoted. Praises, best of luck.

Brian Strand April 14, 2009 at 2:41 AM Carrie thanks for your supporting my contest and also for your kind words today.

Barbara Gorelick April 13, 2009 at 8:35 PM I know this piece..Ive always loved it..I want to read this poem over and over..as I love listening to the music. BG

Kristin Reynolds April 13, 2009 at 4:04 PM Amazing. i love the dramatic flare to this write, and I too would LOVE to listen to this music and read this while doing so. this is very moving, beautiful!!! Thanks for your comments, lately, I feel like such a heel not being able to comment as much these days...blah, maybe I just shouldn't sleep at all? lol love you! Kristin

Rhonda Hero Aka Hero-Wilson April 13, 2009 at 3:18 PM Carrie another intense bu wonderfully written piece. I put this under my favorites... I want to read it more...... Glad your my friend-Thanks for your many comments Love always-just me-RKay

Laurie Ginn April 13, 2009 at 3:10 PM Oh Carrie your words are intense and passionate, amazing write kid.

P Sheart April 13, 2009 at 12:59 PM Hi Carrie This is quite a tribute to composer Carl Orff. I too would love to here the music to this.Your words dig so deep. Quite a emotional/Painful/Beautiful write.Indeed brilliant in form. Good luck in contest hun. Love Light Truth Patricia

Sharon Winter April 13, 2009 at 12:33 PM Well wow! Your poetry makes me want to hear this incredibly passionate music! Music of extreme longing! Your words are so powerful and packed with intense emotion I am helplessly swept away! Bravo Carrie! I seriously would love to hear the music that inspired such a fiery write filled with such pain and anguish! Good luck! Love, Shar

Frank F. Atanacio April 13, 2009 at 11:56 AM My Dearest Carrie I am always left... Blown away...