Lucrezia Borgia

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Mon, 27 May 2024
  • 826 reads
12 comments
 

If you get an invitation
from her, you can't say
thanks but no thanks,
I won't be able to stay.

With the sweetest smile
and an imperious voice
she will tell you 'darling
you haven't any choice'.

You know that the offer
is one you can't refuse
so you frantically try
to find a good excuse. 

I'm sitting next to her;
she's twisted my arm
and I sincerely hope
she won't do me harm. 

I'm afraid she might
be intent on malice.
Is what she gave me
a poisoned chalice?

 

© Luigi Pagano 2024

 

 

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Fantasy
Historical Fiction
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by Jane Hyphen on

She sounds like one to avoid, Luigi, using her charms as a powerful tool and she has a name to match her character.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

To be avoided like the proverbial plague, Jane, if we believe what has been said about her. The illegitimate daughter of a pope, she may have been the victim of a bad press being accused of being a poisoner and of having committed incest with her brother. The story of her life is complex and fascinating.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

She sounds as potent and irresistible as a magic spell Luigi, a very dangerous combination.

Well thought out poem.

Jenny. xx

 

 

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

She was an indomitable noblewoman by all accounts, Jenny.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by airyfairy on

I think the answer to that final question is almost certainly 'yes'! I love that picture, too. The look in her eyes...

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hello Jane. You are most probably right. The portrait, supposed to be of Lucrezia Borgia, is by Bartolomeo Veneto.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by Insertponceyfre... on

It is an intriguing picture isn't it! I've often wondered if the stories about her were true. You've inspired me to find out more -thank you Luigi

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

It is an intriguing picture because we don't actually know if it is her portrait. As far as the rumours about her being a poisoner we don't know for sure but it is said that there's no smoke without fire.
My thanks to you for reading and to the donor of those cherries.

Luigi x

 

 

Submitted by marandina on

I seem to remember a tv series about the Borgias. Dysfunctional lot with a penchant for being immoral. Those were strange times in historical terms. Nicely done, Luigi. A pen picture captured in a poem.

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

You are absolutely right, Paul, there was a series about the Borgias on TV but didn't watch it.  It was a degenerate family, by all accounts, but history is full of dodgy characters.

Cheers, Luigi

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Yes well at least you did try to resist her.

Good Luck! Tom

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

A hostess best avoided, Tom.

Best wishes, Luigi