Highly Desirable

Author: Edward Dyson

A highly desirable woman was she,
With eyes that could capture the soul;
Her charms were a net, and her smile was the key,
To hearts that were hard as a coal.
She walked like a queen, and she talked like a sage,
And her beauty was known far and wide;
She was courted by men of each station and age,
And she chose with a heart full of pride.

But she was not as fair as she seemed,
For her soul was as black as the night;
She played with the hearts of the men she had schemed,
And left them in sorrowful plight.
She took what she could, and she gave nothing back,
She cared not for honor or fame;
And the men who had loved her fell into the track
Of sorrow and shame and blame.

Now she sits all alone in her splendid abode,
With her wealth and her jewels and gold;
But her heart is as cold as the winter’s cold road,
And her beauty has withered and old.
She is left with her wealth, but her love is all lost,
And the men who adored her have fled;
For she’s learned that the price of her glory and cost,
Is a heart that is empty and dead.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written: 1890-01-01

Date Published: 1890-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Desire, Beauty, Deception, Wealth, Consequences

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: E. Dyson

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A narrative poem about a woman whose outward beauty and charm mask a cold and calculating heart, leading to a life of wealth but also loneliness and regret.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.