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Zoe

Am I considered lucky to be born into the purple? I am the daughter of an emperor in Constantinople. Actually, I am a prisoner in anguish and pain. I am forbidden to marry during my father’s reign. All in the court hail the Emperor Constantine. As a father, he has been cruel and mean. Many have called me the most beautiful of our time. However, a woman in her late forties is past her prime. My father has been emperor since Uncle Basil’s death. He is now quite near to taking his last breath. As a result, he has placed his seal on an edict. I am to marry Romanus Argyros, the city’s prefect. This man Romanus had been married previously. My father made him divorce in order to marry me. I have no feelings for Romanus at all. The man catching my fancy is named Michael. Romanus can only be an emperor of the worst kind. A way out of this problem is what I must find. Empress Zoe of the Byzantine Empire lived from 950 to 1022 AD

Copyright © | Year Posted 2011




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Date: 1/9/2011 5:54:00 PM
I love the way you do these, by the way, in first person. that makes them more compelling. Good luck with whichever one you decide to use in the contest. And thanks for reading my poetry recently. LUv, Andrea
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Date: 1/8/2011 9:56:00 AM
Wow! I just love historical writes and felt much compassion for Zoe. Pre-arranged marriages don't occur often today, but back in Zoe's time, this had to be like an albatross hanging around the Ancient Mariner's neck. Thanks for the history lesson, so well written in rhyme. I'm thinking of sponsoring a "history" contest as there are a few others here who write well about historical events. Bravo on this great poem! Love, Carolyn
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