INNOCENCE LOST
She cut a figure most forlorn
On the bridge over the deep river
A village girl once winsome yet artless
Who fell in love heedlessly
In days when her young heart
Knew no sorrow or bitterness.
So gay and bright her small world
In that village in yonder hill
Where simple chores in fields and home
Were all her sole comfort in life
With no shadows to cross her chaste plain
Nor rebellious murmurrings to egg her on.
Such innocence gambolling in sunlit fields
Knew no bounds of earthly cares or wealth
Until one fateful day there flitted into sight
A flamboyant interloper in finery most charming
With no thoughts for honour or virtuous conduct
But burning with lust and wayward passion.
She, once this beatific vision beheld, was all agog
Shedding all restraint, in a flurry she darted
Into her paramour's orbit in guileless gaiety
Over the bridge they frolicked on wings of passion
In soft moonlit shades they whispered sweet nothing
Two love-struck souls entwined in parlous play.
A pledge most solemn they made over the bridge
Exchanging vows amidst the purring waters
But unawares her destiny he had sealed
For treacherous demon had crept into his heart
And poured the venom into his chambers
And set perfidy ablaze in his erotic veins.
Soon her virgin flame flickered lamely
All her world came tumbling down
He broke his pledge and broke her heart
And left her without her chaste garb
And took off in the dead of night
With scorn in his wild laughter.
She cut a figure most forlorn
Gibbering all alone on the bridge
An intense madness gripped her mind
As she danced and sang in hopeless disarray
With only the pale moon shimmering in the waters
And her reflected image that bespoke of misery.
~ PHLIP RODRIGUES ~
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