The Ballad of Duke:

[reverie]

Fourth Draft (Six-Line Stanza Ballad form)

December 9, 2005

 

As seen in the writer's workshop: breakdown

 

 

The Ballad of Duke:

“A Statue Cast in the Likeness of a Dog”

 

His head, once fawn, now faded white

For master’s long away.

The plaster scour’d by wind and rain

As mistress deemed him, stay

“Outside, outside.” the boxer signed

From this he could not stray.

 

Forepaws now cracked with her neglect

Forsook by Daddy, so

His steadfast eyes to her did beg

Forget Dad’s bitter blow

And end this watch, she had him set.

Upon the patio

 

And truth be told, she was not stone

She heard the outcast’s plea

And embraced him in her loving arms

That used to pet with glee

But took him not inside with her

She turned him t’wards the tree.

 

His hollow head pockmarked and stained

By elements severe

And Duke did sign yet once again

He knew his end was near

The ancient paint, which held his soul

Too soon would disappear.

 

 

A grieving gift for master’s loss

Of Duke when but a boy

The dog he was of flesh and blood

Transferred into this toy

For master’s mother gave a gift

And stroked a spell of joy.

 

She had him cast into this form

And painted him renewed

And though two are spurned, still the son

Could save him from this feud.

But they've gone left our Duke bereft

Of hope, while mistress broods.

Edited December 14, 2005 by reverie