Once Willows Wept Not

'Tis now known why the Willow weeps, 
a tragedy of love, its memory keeps.
For once a young man and young maid, 
on tender grass, beneath branches lay.
Though pledged by birth to another, 
from clans they hid, to be together.
Thus, the gentle Willow was their choice, 
meeting beneath, till love they could voice.
The Willow held these secret lovers dear, 
so would lower its boughs, when they drew near.
Thus tucked away in the Willow's womb, 
could lay as one, yet this love was doomed.
For jealousy lurked within the pines, 
spying young lovers thus entwined,
behind Willow's curtain of slender limbs, 
He swore the maiden, would yet be his.
Thus, it came to pass one day, 
as young maid softly made her way,
to their Willow, deep within the glen, 
espied the branches did already bend.
Timidly, as she did draw near, 
soft sound of sorrow fell upon her ears.
Parting Willow's branches to look within, 
a dampness did touch upon her skin.
The Willow was shedding sap laden tears, 
for the young man, in death, was near.
'Twas an arrow that had been used, 
a potent poison, the tip infused.
The maiden, now blind with grieving mist, 
pulled out the arrow, held it, in clenched fist.
Whilst cradled in love's arms, did he draw last breath. 
Then, young maid, plunged the arrow, into her breast.
And so it is, that this story is told,
as the Willow's grief would not be consoled.
For unable to stop what had befell,
the young lovers, it had hid so well.
With will broken, as lovers lay dead,
the Willow, its branches, never again spread.
And because it is the memory it keeps,
it is to this day, that the Willow weeps.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

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12
Dietrich Avatar
July 25, 2011 at 10:06 PM
wow, such creativity to make this story about the willow, Paula. I really enjoyed this. Congrats on your win!
Swanson Avatar
July 26, 2011 at 12:11 AM
Thank you Andrea
Johnson Avatar
July 25, 2011 at 10:59 AM
You have made a great song from this sad legend. congratulations Paula. This contest borught forth some good poetry. Love, Joyce
Brown Avatar
July 25, 2011 at 9:50 AM
Congratulations on your well deserved win in Don's "Old Ballad or Rhyme" contest Paula. Love, Carol
Dietrich Avatar
April 14, 2011 at 6:38 PM
Hey, did you totally create this one or did you hear the story of it somewhere and then write of it? I never heard of it before, and if you made it up, that is very creative, paula. Congrats on your win!
Mehta Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 6:31 AM
Congratulations on the fourth place win in the contest, Paula
Brown Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 5:14 AM
Congratulations for your win Paula in the contest "Legends" sponsored by Carolyn Devonshire. Love, Carol
Phookan Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 3:21 AM
Many Congratulations Paula on your big win in this amazing contest.Love, Gautami
K. Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 10:40 PM
This brought chills as i read this-- what a tragic yet beautifully written piece, Paula-- now we know why the willow weeps, just beautiful-- Super congrats on your win :)
Roberts Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 9:28 PM
this is absolutely beautiful, going straight into my favourites, congrats on your win in the contest
Sweetheart Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 9:05 PM
Congrats Paula on your big win in this contest my friend.. enjoy with luv for a great write luv..
Johnson Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 6:44 PM
Anolther story I have not heard before. Congratulations on it and your win. Love, Joyce
Freeman Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 5:11 PM
Great Job Paula. Congratulations on your worthy poem's fifth place success. Loved it. "it is to this day, that the Willow weeps." loved this last line.Agape, Moses
George   Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Ahhhh. 'Tis cuch a beautiful epic. So beautifully and brilliantly written, Paula. Many congrats on your magnificent win. Lainie
Taylor Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 1:14 PM
Congrats, Paula. Excellent piece. Nice going. xxxRalph
Horne Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM
Many congrats, Paula : )
Devonshire Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 10:59 AM
Paula, John and I really loved this poem. But for the punctuation error (T'was instead of 'Twas), I would have ranked even higher. Congratulations on placing fifth in the contest! The competition was strong so you can be proud of your placement! Love, Carolyn
Sweetheart Avatar
April 1, 2010 at 2:44 PM
Congrats Paula on your featured poem on the Soup this week... an excellent choice to feature and share...luv.. Linda-Marie "Sweetheart" of P.S.
Mehta Avatar
March 29, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Congrats. nice willowy poem
Austin Avatar
March 29, 2010 at 3:56 PM
Great twist on Romeo and Juliet. I like this poem mucho! Congrats on the selection. Love, daver
Brown Avatar
March 29, 2010 at 5:19 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Paula. May you have many more features and a wonderful week filled with inspiration. Love, Carol
Culverhouse Avatar
March 28, 2010 at 1:09 PM
Congrats on the featured poem this week!! Enjoyed reading!!
Owens Avatar
January 28, 2010 at 4:48 PM
This is a lovely poem yet sad and so heartfelt...Enjoyed...Marty
Brown Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 1:55 PM
I would like to welcome you to PoetrySoup Paula. I also wish you the best in your writing endeavors. If you have questions please feel free to ask anyone here. We are all willing to help and if we don't know the answer we will find someone who does. Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 7:44 AM
Welcome to the Poetry Soup Family of poets.. continue to share your creative writings with us all... as this delightful poem today.. luv.. Linda-Marie "Sweetheart" of Poetry Soup.
Kendrick Avatar
January 24, 2010 at 6:25 AM
Beautiful romantic story that you have told in these lines. Welcome to soup. May your gifts expand and touch on the lives of many in a postive way in the coming years. Sara
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