A Spenserian Sonnet inspired by the novel: The Bostonians
(And the Merchant Ivory film)

Verena of his lover’s lust, lady,
publicly perfect and privately chaste -
the man’s in love - his motives aren’t shady? -
sharp flavors to the tongue he loves her taste.
Seaside sprays won't wash away the foretaste:
the stolen kisses leavening his love;
the womanhood he won’t let go to waste;
the nature he won’t let her rise above.
His willpower, hers can’t keep abreast of.
Persuasion is his better use of force
and her fall is in the logic of the shove;
one a suffragist more suited must endorse.
A Southern man, his cause, a Boston maid;
torn, hers a cause and female bond betrayed.

© Helga Ross 2006