A Man of Some Importance

[pipersfancy]

In honour of an Empress’ name,
the maharajahs rode through throng
of spectators to wave and claim
cacophony with clashing gong
as elephants processed along
when he, in spotless homespun white,
arose to charge colonial wrong—
attention brought to India’s plight.

Could privileged class feel winds aflame
when Freedom first began its song?
Or, did they trust their power’d tame
a country weakened—Empire strong—
where all must slave, yet none belong?
Ignite a nation’s smouldering fight
demanding rights denied too long—
attention brought to India’s plight.

And so, the Delhi Durbar came
announcing like a sharpened prong
new declarations which proclaim
taxation’s necessary tongs
must reach to keep the salt pans strong.
While British men expressed delight
the country heard a darker song—
attention brought to India’s plight.

A crooked Crown worn far too long
that ruled and never felt contrite
for salty marshland’s tax prolong—
attention brought to India’s plight.


*My appreciation to John Wertz, who invited me to try my hand at writing a formal Ballade. It was a formidable challenge, although one which John, through his eloquence, makes appear easy!

[RhymeLovingWriter]

Masterful writing pipersfancy! To put historical material to verse in rhyme, much less tell a tale the length of a ballad appears daunting indeed - yet you have, again, done so with apparent ease. I enjoyed this very much.

[pipersfancy]

Thank you (as always!) RLW.
I was very glad to write this poem in response to John's urging because it became the perfect vehicle for this particular story. I keep a running list of ideas, phrases, images, etc. that come to mind and cause inspiration to stir in me. The image of the maharajahs atop their ornately decorated elephants was one that had been on my list for a long time—several years, in fact. So I was pleased to have finally found a home for that historical parade of elephants... you know, I actually wore a beautiful piece of jewelry yesterday—a choker fashioned of hand carved turquoise elephants marching along in parade—all the elements of inspiration must have finally come together!

[RhymeLovingWriter]

That is a lovely story! What a sense of satisfied conclusion you must feel! I never even thought of keeping a running list of ideas - but it's a practice I will most gladly take up and try on for size.

[DWAYNE]

Wow. A delicious bounty of diction.

[pipersfancy]

I'm glad you found something worthwhile here, Dwayne! Thank you for stopping by to read and comment,
pf

[grant hayes]

Another jewel in the crown ☺ Not only is the form handled with aplomb, but is the vehicle for a nuanced reflection on history. Bravissima!

[pipersfancy]

Many thanks, Grant! I've always had an interest in history, and while this piece is not meant to be an accurate summary of historical fact, I hope it somewhat reflects the general climate of that turn-of-the-century time frame.

[John Wertz]

Who Piper! Terrific! Did you enjoy the process with Ballade?

[pipersfancy]

Indeed, I did enjoy it immensely, John! Although shorter, the confines of the Ballade structure were even more challenging to stay within than those of the Crown of Sonnets (of which I've written several.) I was able to complete this piece in one sitting... about 4 hours of time last night, but that included my research and double-checking of several historical facts I wanted to make mention of. Once I had my rhymes and repeating closing line, I mapped out the rhyme structure on paper, and just started filling in the lines as they came to me. At one point, it almost felt like doing a crossword puzzle! Overall, I very much like the finished poem, and certainly will add this form to the list of forms I write in.

I'm very glad you pointed out the Ballade to me, and encouraged me to have a try at it. I'll take up the challenge again, I'm sure!
pf

[graydon archer]

I'm not at all sure that I can add any further accolades to the queue PF, except that it is always a pleasure to read your work, and that I find myself looking forward to the next encounter. Kudos!

[pipersfancy]

What a very nice complement— thank you, Graydon! I am so glad you find something of interest in my work!
pf

[John Wertz]

The crossword puzzle analogy is right on. Not every subject would lend itself to the form, but work well for certain ones.

[Brainwreck]

Ballade or sonnet, I do not know the rules. I like the message and you bringing it to everyone's attention.
I do see a pattern. 3 stanzas of 8 lines and one of just 4. And only 3 rhyming words
and the same last line in every stanza. Is that pretty close to the rules?
I enjoyed reading it 3 times.

[MHenry]

Another excellent poem, pf. The rhyme scheme alone is enough of a challenge, but to fit historical events into that form compounds the challenge geometrically. As always, your work is wonderful and seamless, reflective of the care and attention you lavish on it. You are truly a poet with a poet's hand and a poet's heart!