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Gwendrina
Junior Member

since 2001-08-21

Posts 33

0 posted 2001-08-29 07:42 PM

Venus at Monticello

Beyond a  black shadow
of  doubt, she haunts
every corner of his world.

He writes of glimpsing her soul
in a moth that dallies
across the field,
kissing the green scent of spring.

She has spun this habit
of shackling smile to flower's breath
from childhood – until now,
a full grown woman and slave

She knows how
to make him love her
and evenings
dusk-fallen in her hair

as mist drapes
the moon curved
like the handle
belonging  to his beside pitcher.

Each night
she fills the vessel with water,
and floats her reflection

over the cool stillness
of pewter.

Note: This poem is based on the relationship between Sally
Hemmings and Thomas Jefferson. She was considered to be very beautiful with long dusky hair and often called "The
African Venus". She was also considered to be one of the most
favored slaves at Jefferson's home, Monticello.

Sven

Member Laureate

since 1999-11-23

Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA

1 posted 2001-08-29 07:52 PM

bravo. . . very well done. . . a lovely portrait back in time. . . and a story well told. . .

excellent. . .

---------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

Martie

Moderator

Member Empyrean

since 1999-09-21

Posts 28049
California

2 posted 2001-08-29 07:59 PM

Gwendrina:

This is so very well done...the imagery, the unique wording, and the wonderful explanation. Thank you so much for such an enjoyable read.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean

since 2001-08-14

Posts 35113
Canada eh.

3 posted 2001-08-29 08:17 PM

Great imagery and beautiful words! I loved it...a lot! Thanks for a story well written.

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
Dancing with you in the summer rain~

RSWells
Member Elite

since 2001-06-17

Posts 2533

4 posted 2001-08-29 08:59 PM

Could well have been true passion which has always known no bounds. Enjoyed.

rwood
Member Elite

since 2000-02-29

Posts 3793
Tennessee

5 posted 2001-08-30 06:58 AM

You have painted a beauty! Thank you for surfacing this to light. As it seems, she was no slave, he was to her beauty. A rightful donning in her servitude. Gorgeous poetry!

Sincerely,
Regina

Gwendrina
Junior Member

since 2001-08-21

Posts 33

6 posted 2001-08-30 11:24 AM

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to thank all of you for reading and commenting. I really appreciate your insight and personal consideration.

Wendy

RMW
Senior Member

since 2001-03-21

Posts 1424

7 posted 2001-08-30 04:35 PM

Excellent, Wendy, excellent.

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

8 posted 2001-08-30 04:52 PM

Enjoyed your poem...James

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