oh harriet (poem)

I decided after such positive feedback from my last poem "a moments inspiration", that I would recite my most recent poem. This poem is a little bit darker than the last, and rather tragic, but I wanted to convey the emotions that I can only imagine were experienced by a young Harriet Shelley (maiden name: Westbrook), who was the first wife of poet Percy Shelley. Therefore, this poem is based upon and inspired by real events.

I call this poem "oh harriet"...

Oh Harriet,

a treasured heart lost to time.

Such promise,

heralded for gifted child.

Tender age,

loves pull guided her astray.

No blame,

for who does not crave happiness.

Joyous moment, glanced upon and short lived.

Her heart,

abandoned and broken.

Hope lost,

as lover moves on.

Solace desired,

but only lustful arms found.

With child,

in hiding she remains.

Sadness burdens,

with heart and mind overwhelmed.

Words dispatched,

her last affection declared.

Lonely morning, she walks to the serpentine.

Tearful eyes, she throws herself to the bitter waters.

Her story concluded, with love and loss,

societies glaring eyes,

a treasured heart lost to time.