- Non-Erotic Poetry
- The Stepmother Speaks
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I danced for him and won his heart;
He said it was the fire in my eyes, the wit in my laugh,
But when he held me against him, I knew he loved my beauty most.
It is a small thing, a sad thing, to be loved for beauty.
But he was kind, and I lonely,
So we wed.
He loved her too, but not, I think,
As he loved me. Still, snowy skin and sapphire eyes
Are difficult to resist, as are the soft arms that wind about one's neck,
While crimson lips seek the cheek and press damp there.
She was fair, but I the fairest,
And so I ruled.
But youth is greedy and she... she...
She would have had all of him. His arms, his kisses,
The comfort of his bed at night, when I might have sought my husband.
I warned him. I did. But he'd have none of it,
Even when she gloated.
And so we lived.
Some might call it a monstrous thing
To offer such an apple to my husband's child,
But I am a woman who was loved for beauty and saw that fade
Like the reflection of the man I'd wed.
Who cares for charm? Intelligence?
And so. I acted.
So, too, you all.
- COMMENTS
JamesCiriacoalmost 15 years agoI've always loved this poem. The poise of the loosely formal stanzas, suggestive of the mature and dignified woman channeling strong passions; the line, "It is a small thing, a sad thing, to be loved for beauty." Say what you will, I think it's one of your strongest pieces.
vrosej10almost 15 years agoI loved this poem. I am a stepmother of an adult child and there are times when I'd like to give him a poison apple (just kidding!). Snow white from the stepmother's perpective. Brilliant.
bluebellalmost 15 years agoCorinna, I don't know how you do it but your work continues to flourish and I'm a huge fan. Please keep going, we need writers of your caliber sharing their words! This poem was mentioned in Saturday's poetry reviews (a little late, I am sorry!), so please come by and thank you so much for sharing.
