Her fair-skinned form is more than I deserve;
because her skin is light, and mine is dark,
like Tristan and Yseult's love which King Mark
forbade, we're banned from passion's sweet preserve.
Though bred as opposites opposed, we serve
our needs: and through her milk and my coarse bark,
like Heloise and Abelard, a spark
burns (though Fulbert and Church show their reserve)!
Alas! Were I as fair, as white, as bright,
as her: were darkened complexion, and chin,
not so eclipsed by night when near her light!
Though mores, like the world, moved by lies' spin,
discourage us, the coveted birthright
to merge won't be denied by tribal men.
Categories:
fulbert, color, discrimination, love, prejudice,
Form: Italian Sonnet
The alchemists seek to change iron into gold.
They have never succeeded, so I have been told.
However, I have found gold within your body.
Everything about you has scintillated me.
Heloise, not only do you have great beauty,
for a woman, you appear very scholarly.
You have uncanny qualities many men seek,
as you are fluent in Latin, Hebrew, and Greek.
It seems God has taken the riches of the earth,
and mixed them together on the day of your birth.
There’s no other woman like you in all of France.
Since I have met you, I have taken a great chance.
I realize I am more than just your tutor.
You blessed me with a child as you are my lover.
I know your uncle Fulbert will be furious
the moment he discovers what became of us.
I assure you as our God is our judge above,
I’ll provide you and Astrolabe will all my love.
Categories:
fulbert, history, love, god, god,
Form: Rhyme