Notes About The Poem
Written 22 February 2026 for Richard The Thitd Poetry Contest of Robert Janes Liguori
Syllable count checked on howmanysyllables.com>syllable_counter
Richard the Third
Shakespeare, grand painter of human nature,
Depicts Richard the Third`s rise to power
By hooks or crooks as a Machiavel,
Stirred by history to carve a marvel.
The scene is set by an outstanding speech,
With Richard designing the throne to reach
Without qualms, where end justifies the means,
As from his life and the play can be seen.
Hunchbacked since birth, every means he avails,
With wild ambition burning through the veil,
A brazen spirit eager for the crown,
Without shame, to tear highest structures down.
He strolls fearless amidst the courtly throng,
Where semblance of courtesy he prolongs,
But in his burning eyes a coldness lies,
Reflecting only his own forward rise.
With the gentle king now resting in peace,
His dear dark desires are on the increase;
He plots and schemes with a silvery tongue,
Where grains of loyalty have never sprung.
The kind gentle brother he embraces,
With false smiles upon his ghastly faces;
He plots and plans with solemn silent speed,
Sowing the nasty bitter hungry seed.
The princes made to vanish in the night,
Ever lost to the world beyond the light,
The woeful weeping widow’s truthful grief
Brings him no seams of sorrow, no relief.
With ruse he courts the lady, pale and meek,
The words he utters, he doesn`t truly speak
From the depth of his heart that knows true love,
But driven by the wish to rise above.
Without an inch of shame he grabs the crown,
On his forehead no stamp of any frown;
But soon fear begins to take its firm hold,
Alone, with a tragic end to behold.
At Bosworth Field, the royal army meet
Tudor`s allies and Richard tastes defeat;
"A horse, a horse, for my kingdom," he pleads,
He fights all alone, until death he bleads.
The rightful heir at last is brought to fame,
And honour crowns the victor's shining name;
The bard`s moral: evil souls kiss the dust,
Goodness in end will win with divine trust.
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
