A Virelai
First, a brief explanation of what a virelai is. It's a form of poem, medieval in origin, arranged in triplets. The specific form I wrote in is called the "ancien" type. Each triplet has lines of 8, 8, 4 syllables. The first set of four triplets rhymes AAB, followed by a set of four BBC triplets, then four CCD triplets, closing out with four DDA triplets. Once you read it, it will make more sense.
I'm quite proud of this poem personally. I wrote it in a... moment of weakness, let's say, longing for a woman I knew I could never have. She has never read this, but all these years later, I still stand behind this poem as not only representative of how I felt at the time, but also as what I hope could be considered a well constructed poem in its own right.
So timid I do not express,
'Tis there but completely repressed,
Long overdue.
To words I now try to compress,
A failure I seek to redress,
What no one knew.
Will you hear now this short address?
The writing of one in distress,
Whose words are true.
My attempt I hope you will bless.
I now put forth, nevertheless,
That I love you.
Your eyes are the loveliest hue;
A green without traces of blue
I long to see.
Like a landscape an artist drew,
Anywhere you are has a view,
And instantly.
I hope it's not me you'll eschew,
At least read my virelai through
I ask of thee.
My interest in you only grew,
Though flustered, I will continue,
Most bashfully.
Like a man of faith I do plea
To God, as I fall to my knees:
O I implore
That I am not so unworthy
The pleasures of humanity
That I long for.
The utmost of humility,
I'm tossing and turning at sea
And you ashore.
A Korpsbruder eternally,
For friendship and camaraderie
I ask once more.
My style of writing may bore,
But these words I hope you explore.
Poetic mess.
I hope after reading you're sure
It's clear it is you I adore
But dared not press.
Though written as in days of yore,
Here out all my feelings I pour,
I do confess.
You've always caused my heart to soar.
I fear a reprisal's in store;
I've no defense.