The Lady of Shalott

Upon the tragedy we now embark
with silken scarves tied loosely 'round our mouths
down rivers algae ridden to impart

the when's, the why's, the where's and then the how's.
We slick our hands upon the river's skin
and stand on shaky boats to take our bows

without a second thought to what's within
or why the audience is on the shore
inspecting us for when she shall begin

The scarves will sink to silt and sand below
The fish will silver glint the hidden cave
and then the teeming shores will sudden know

that no one now their clapping can they save
For we are but a whisper on the breeze
For we are taught and then we misbehave

For we are born and then we seldom leave
until the river winds it's last hurrah
and then the shores are silent to bereave

a sinking human vessel fit to fall
to join unburdened scarves and wisher's well
for down the river tragedy to call

as far as anyone can ever tell
to quilts and candles burning at both ends
this lady rose again before she fell.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2006

Poem

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