The following work is not set in form...however, it takes its rhyme schemes, rhythms and subject from Coleridge and Keats.

By the River Avonleigh

Seasons and the passing of time decree
The cycle of life bring with it, changes
In all things and a strange uncertainty
Of what has been, what is and what will be,
As it always has, throughout the ages.
It is the theme of many a poem and song
Of ardent passion, sweet virtue and sin…
And I know such a tale of passions strong
Of two hearts embracing, where they belong
So gather ‘round my friends and I will begin…

This is the tale of Jacqueline and Hugh,
A lady and her knight, who only knew
Of each others ardor, through the written words
In letters that never faded or blurred,
Letters treasured, bound in velvet ribbon,
The chronicles of their heart’s communion.

Only in dreams were they ever to meet,
Only there could they share kisses so sweet
In a stone cottage by the Avonleigh,
Whose pure, waters, poets say, happily
Springs from Hippocrene, the sacred fountain
Of Zeus’ daughters on Helicon mountain.

Each night they meet, leaving only with dawn
And each night they return, joyfully drawn
By their heart songs singing in warm candlelight,
By words becoming touches of delight
Under a swooning moon, where their gentle sighs
As iridescent bubbles, upward, rise.

The passing of time…the seasons, a hundred
And still their love has remained ever strong…
Carried above the Avonleigh, on wind songs,
They can be heard still, in tones softly muted
Just before the sun, puts the night to bed…

Their eternal promise gently whispered…
“I will see you in dreams, my beloved”

© ewrichardson 2008