Greetings from the Poeta!

I beg you to forgive my recent absence from the Acorn. I hope this month's offering will make it up in some small part. If you are interested in writing poetry but are unsure where to begin, ask around! Poets and bards abound in our fair kingdom, and most, if not all, are happy to help others. Discussing ideas and forms allows us all to improve!

I also need to note that soon I will be stepping down from this excellent post; at Twelfth Night a competition will be held to determine my successor. Those interested will need to enter two pieces: one will be upon the topic of the Crown; the other will be upon a topic of the entrant's choosing. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. You do not need to be present to enter, but it would be fantastic if you could be!
This month's poem is an experiment - I have never before tried a ghazal (a Persian form popular from the 10th c. onward; mine is based on several from 13th c. poet Jalal al-Din Rumi):

Thou art alone the one I long to see, my love;
Yet always distant am I cursed to be, my love.
How ever do I strive to enter thy sealed heart
And Paradise to worship faithfully, my love.
No other lady have I hope to spy or hear;
My sense remains thy purest devotee, my love.
What thou wouldst desire to possess, let me have that;
What thou wouldst will be done, give me this deed, my love.
What am I? Naught but what thou hast declared I am:
What want I? Naught but embraces from thee, my love.

In service,
Olivier de Bayonne

Additional online notes: This month's featured poet is Lady Ambra Michelli, who has provided the site with a most excellent ballad for your enjoyment!

Last modified October 26, 2005. Content suggestions to Lord Olivier de Bayonne