Disclaimer (again): Both Crown and Court Duel (and the characters within) belong to Sherwood Smith. I make no claim on them. AND since it's been a while since I've read the books, the themes in this poem may be a bit skewed from their reality. *sigh...*

From the eyes of Countess Meliara Astiar, continued...

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Realizations

II

A wilted rose of crimson hue

and petals dry, far past its bloom.

Or rather, a rose that's wilted new

kissed not by either sun or dew

but kept, all hidden, from light and love -

a strangled lark, a cagèd dove.

Mistook passion for flames of rage

with tongues that scorch and words that scathe.

But wait! I have my blossom white,

My rose of pure and lovely sight.

My letters full of wit and charm

and he who's never done me harm.

Perhaps my heart has bloomed indeed,

though I have paid it little heed.

The One whose ring is sculpted gold

mayhap my heart he also holds.

My companion masked, I hold him dear

is this the love that I once feared?

Unknown to me, his real name-

My partner in our courting game.

The one with stiff and proper ways

and long fair hair and steady gaze,

I need him not - for this is true,

I wish not for a suitor new.

Fair Elenet, with queenly grace,

and doting eyes, and measured pace,

I yield to you both King and throne.

My heart is set on my Unknown.

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Poetess' Note:

tadaaaa!... do you like it? It's considerably longer than Rosepetal Tears... oh... I'd better change the name of this "anthology"... nah. Well, tell me what you think. I *really* appreciate everyone who took the time to review. (hm... let me think... Lydiby, Saranha de Angelo, Dreamer, Blazing Moon, and Anrion!) Hopefully, I haven't let you all down. hehe... my favorite bit of this poem is the second stanza of this portion... i thought it was so clever... comparing Mel with white, which is associated with innocence and naivety.. and her flaring temper that scorches and scathes... nevermind. It's late... as always. But anyways, thank you for reading this... leave a review (pretty please!)... especially if you have something to say about improving this mess of literary units... or if you're a nice person... :P ~ Kuri dancing_raine@yahoo.com