Violetta. Frivolous in spite,
or perhaps because, of your frail lungs;
delicate, a child, almost, at play.
How cruel was fate to hand you joyous love.
Such happiness you found in lavish dances,
and glasses of champagne and flirting kisses:
ignorance your sweetener and protector.
How pale you look inhaling strong emotion.
If I could take you in my arms and curse
for you enrich our lives with such sweet folly.
Sweet folly; bitter blood upon your lips,
lips that mouth a death song I adore:
valiant hedonists have long ceased their brindisi,
not even angels now believe in heaven.
|
Written by Veronica_Milvus (626 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
Words are unable to express! That is SO lovely! Was she a Victorian comsuptive? Where do you get your ideas?
There's something about the choice of language that is feminine and frilly and giddy, but also rather sad. I think it is the particular use of consonants in words like "lavish dances" "sweet folly" and "brindisi", and of course in the name Violetta as well.
The last line was gorgeous.
Cor. nobody would guess you bash bits of metal for a living!
I think I need a large drink now, and a hankie (sniff). |
Written by Brett (782 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
Veronica. I wrote this after attending a performance of La Traviata last night. And, yes, Violetta is consumptive - so not my idea at all. I shall never now rest a peaceful night after 'feminine...frilly and giddy' thanks.
Perhaps you may like to look up the synopsis of the opera? As for a large drink - that sounds capital!
Chhers, V. |
Hi
Written by maipenrai (783 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
an excellent piece of work.
Bernie |
hi
Written by wt (137 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
reeks of potential
in my humble opinion, lack a slight musical undertone
bravo!
|
Written by Brett (782 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
Thanks, wt, but what do you want from a steel worker - the anvil chorus? Boom, boom.
Cheers |
Written by fellpony (1608 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
bittersweet - and apart from the Brindisi and death song references, might equally have been written after reading La dame aux Camellias, or seeing the film Camille, so I think it can stand on its own (albeit tuberculous) feet  |
Written by Veronica_Milvus (626 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
oh, of course - I lost all my street cred by forgetting that was her name.
it was brilliant! |
Shiveringly Good!
Written by Katanga (1218 comments posted) 24th April 2008 |
Wow! I know nothing about opera and sympathise with Veronica.
But this stands alone in its consumptive violence. I get lost in the early allusions but . . .
The last line is shiveringly good!
Hey! Katanga! Cheers! John X |
In 1949
Written by patterjack (1193 comments posted) 25th April 2008 |
I spent several sessions --at considerable expense to my budget--at the Savoy Theatre ( now defunct ) watching the film version of La Traviata entranced by the pale beauty of the leading lady, and the clear beauty of the dubbed voices. A sweet folly of my own.
Never wanted to kiss the consumptive lady myself, however.
An interesting slant on the opera , well put.
patterjack |
Written by Brett (782 comments posted) 26th April 2008 |
| Thanks to all who commented. |
I understood
Written by meadowcroft1964 (102 comments posted) 1st May 2008 |
Great I'm getting more intelligent by the day I really identified with your heroine dying while her grieving lover stands close by. perhaps because my first name happens to be Violet close wouldn't you say.I need to go get my hanky now. I may even start to understand Opera who knows.
. Now to show my ignorance could some tell me what a stanza is how are they used, educate me please. |
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