My Lady, Godiva
My Lady: Word came down through odd channels,
spewed from the rumor mills like an omen
of terrible aspect . . . Some speak of old sin,
others claim this and that. Through thin panels
I hear them in the public house—annals
sung by curs too low to beg your name, men
with less honor even than—Oh, but then
their ignorance is manifestly carnal.
We know your truth of penitence. So ride
bold as love through Coventry, my love, for
Heaven itself rewards audacity—hide
nothing; refuse the hair-shirt; furthermore,
wear nothing. Wear your glorious hair untied;
bold as love, pace in pride to wage Love’s war.
David M Pitchford
6 June 2008Comments Ardently Invited!!!!!!
Filed under: John Collier, Petrarchan Sonnet, Xenoneoclassicist Poetry, classic paintings, ekphrasis, fantasy, morality tales, myth, nude, nudity, obsessions, poem, poems, poems about paintings, poetry, poetry revolution, self empowerment, sex, sonnet, wanton | Tagged: Collier, ekphrastic sonnet, lady godiva, nude paintings, Petrarchan Sonnet, poems about paintings, sonnet
please know that i am here every time you post.. i do not always comment,, but sometimes i have to do so.. i just love the signature way that you carry off the “stuffy” classic pictures and create such a human experience.. this is an art form all its own,, and i admire you completely…..
Paisley: why, you’re so very flattering. Thank you. I really appreciate your comments. It’s very important to me to make sense of things. To me, that’s the value of poetry. I lurk, too. Thanks for dropping a note for the change of address; I was terribly embarassed to find that I had no link to change. I’m linked to you now. I admire your talent as well, and quite enjoy your blog.
Sincerely,
David
Totally enjoyed this, David.. plus the photo is quite exquisite; I especially like the tone of this one and your choice of words. The first 3 lines are strong and immediately capture my attention. I chuckled at “refuse the hair-shirt” but don’t take it personal, I always laugh at those words..
and I love the last line.
I know it’s been a while since I’ve stopped in, but I’ve been weaving a tale of drama that you can keep up with over on Poetmeister..
Hopefully the current incident will prove to be a jinx-breaker.. I do hope you and yours have been thriving joyfully..:)
Janet Leigh