Shakespearean Inspiration

'Tis a tale told far and near

What plants notions in thy ear

A tale ne'er to be believed

Lest ye be the one deceived

Sorrow springs, a single word

Escaping a tale so absurd

What word so mournful, thou ask?

To utter it a deadly task

In hearts and fables 'tis found

Its strength unfettered and unbound

What horror and what delight

Sets a man to smile and to fright

In thy ears you've heard it spoken

Leaving thou bolstered but yet broken

How silly such a thing

Gives cause to cry or sing

Again its identity, you implore

Oh to learn, there's so much more

'Tis not for the faint of heart

To dabble in this art

So what's this word so strong?

Thou hast known it all along

So often used in vain

Thrown in passion and in pain

Tease no more you beg of me

I tease not, 'tis plain to see

For the word held all above

Is none other than that of love.

© JJ Goodman 2014. All rights reserved.