WoPoLi

In Mrs. Manstey’s View


In Mrs. Manstey’s view from a window up high,
Where portraits whisper secrets to the soul,
A cup of cold water, in silver’s swirl, reflects the sky.
Reflecting Rembrandt’s mastery. Fleeting is her control.

Through thoughts like quicksand, a dilettante’s quest,
within her mind, the pot-boiler’s fire is flickering bright,
she had hoped to find that his father’s son confessed,
full-circle moments, traced in hues of darkest night.

Take back the kingdom! Turn the wheel of Atreus’ lore,
where relentless pot-boilers bubbling poisons flow,
In the long run, the old master’s wisdom like ravens soar,
As the fever burns in hearts that she may never know.

His father’s son’s legacy is plastered within these painted halls,
Where destiny molds the past, as the present and future blend,
In contemplation, moments amass as Mrs. Manstey recalls,
peering through the glass, Kingdom come, good may yet transcend.

Part of the title constraint series

In these constraints, I have taken titles of works from different poets and authors (all the same author for each poem) usually consisting of 20-40 titles. My Constraint was to use as many words as possible in their titles to construct a new Poem.

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From the blog

About the Author: Sarah B. Royal

Sarah B. Royal’s writing defies convention. Her poetry and prose traverse the boundaries between structure and spontaneity, often weaving together philosophical inquiry, cultural reflection, and personal narrative. With a background in experimental literature, she is known for crafting works that challenge readers to engage intellectually and emotionally.

Her acclaimed palindrome performance play, 777 – A Story of Idol Worship and Murder, showcases her fascination with mirrored storytelling and thematic symmetry. In o x ∞ = ♥: The Poet and The Mathematician, Royal explores the intersection of poetic intuition and mathematical logic, revealing a unique voice that is both analytical and lyrical.

Royal’s collections—such as Lost in the Lost and Found, Haiku For You, Lantern and Tanka Too, and the WoPoLi Chapbook Series—highlight her commitment to neurodivergent expression and poetic experimentation. Whether through childhood verse or contemporary fusion poetry, her work invites readers into a world where language is both a tool and a playground.

Sarah B. Royal continues to expand the possibilities of poetic form, offering readers a deeply personal yet universally resonant experience. Her writing is a testament to the power of creative risk, intellectual depth, and emotional authenticity.

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