Poetic Story-Telling Poem by Ferdinand L Quintos

Poems that tell us story,
from literary history
has on poets influenced fast
ever since a long long time past.

We were, by Dante, entertained
of things by him were imagined,
of the things that there may arise:
hell, purgatory, paradise,

Blind poet John Milton’s creation
tells of man’s fall and redemption,
in his “Paradise Lost” ingrained
followed by “Paradise Regained.”

We can never forget the courtship
that launched many a battleship,
the war that lasted a long course,
its tide turned by a wooden horse.

We have read about Hercules,
marvelled at his rare prowess;
followed the travels of Ulysses,
to many enchanting places..

There was Gabriel’s betrothal
to Evangeline so loyal,
their marriage was by a war barred,
at last met in hospital ward.

We were touched by poet in pain,
mourning his “Captain, my Captain”
that, on the ship’s deck, is spread,
calmly “lies cold, fallen, and dead.”

©FLQ March 4,2014