Villanelle: Mighty Monarchs Poem by Caryl Ramsdale

The shell of a crowned head, old and back bent
knew her loveliness no longer beckoned.
The fellow with the hollow cheeks was spent.

Her hearts desire was for him to repent.
Thin, gray lips moaned neath ebony lace; hid
the shell of a crowned head, old and back bent.

Afore, he was a lion of a gent,
Rugged—seasoned—leading strong hearts; and now
the fellow with the hollow cheeks was spent.

She complimented love, was most content;
beautiful—refined—spirited, and now
the shell of a crowned head, old and back bent.

Looking back, considering one event;
she confessed, yielding to grace before
the fellow with the hollow cheeks was spent.

And bards sang they were likely kingdom sent;
the shell of a crowned head, old and back bent—
the fellow with the hollow cheeks was spent.