"Beata Beatrix"

Evening, and the setting sun’s golden rays
Bathe the streets of Florence in a warm glow.
Its fire sets her auburn hair ablaze
And gives the poet’s heart a searing blow.
Behold the haloed bird, omen of death,
That heralds the hour of her demise.
The poppy planted brings her final breath,
And grief at losing her now stalks his eyes.
Trance-like, her upturned face is yet at peace;
In repose, her beauty shines from within.
The sundial shows the hour of her release.
Fair Beatrice! Alas, what might have been.
And in her image he reveals the face
Of one he loved and mourns and can’t replace...

Author's Note

~ Inspired by my one of my heroines, Elizabeth Siddal, and the famous painting 'Beata Beatrix' by Dante Rossetti.

Reviews

[Ruth]

This is fabulous!
A poignant poem hon!
A painting that is beautiful, you have done it justice love!
Awesome imagery here!
xx

[José Humilde]

I dig your style. I wasn't familiar with the painting and I checked it out. Only after I had read it. I found it pretty relatable after I checked out Rossetti. My favorite part is "her auburn hair ablaze." I just find it gives me a great image of a woman with intense reds..oranges...

Powerful ending as well. Thanks for the great read.

-JH