I wrote her name upon the water
My goddess, who was Zeus’ daughter
For from the sea she rose
With golden locks for clothes
I wrote her name with youth’s first fires
For maiden of my mad desires
THEY said I was bad news
A mean malicious muse!
I wrote her name with pen I borrowed
She left me, but for me, she sorrowed
In seaweed-sharpened shawl
Came cruellest cut of all!
I wrote her name in dreams, when dreaming
Against the spite of sirens scheming
I never had a prayer
For her, THEY would not share
I wrote her name in love-sick letters
With shackles on my wrists and fetters
All forged for me to wear;
To wash me from her hair
I wrote her name with purest passion
In hope, Fortuna, would refashion
Our Fate – star-cross’d and cruel
Secured by father’s rule
I wrote her name; my pen was pleading:
“You’re killing me!” I rhymed. When reading,
Her heart might melt inside
Along with goddess’ pride!
I wrote her name so THEY would read it
My hand – THEY swore she’d never need it
That hand will reach her still;
My love they’ll never kill!
I wrote her name on breezes blowing
Poetically, cruel seed was sowing
To make her father sad
And drive her mother mad!