WoPoLi

Ballad

Ballad

A ballad is a narrative poem often telling a story of love, tragedy, or adventure, with a simple rhyme scheme like ABAB or ABCB. It typically uses iambic tetrameter and trimeter, creating a musical flow, and may include refrains to enhance the storytelling.

A Ballad of Lovely Things

In dreamland’s garden, pure and fair–

petals weep for the tales I hold–

there grow roses beyond compare–

for my love lost, and hearts turned cold.

In honor of the king’s sad plight–

fragrance perfumes the evening air–

I wear a crimson cloak tonight–

a symbol of a love so rare.

Dark roses bloom, for dreamland’s king–

for my king, the stars shine bright–

and here the roses softly sing–

I wear a crimson cloak tonight.

This ballad encapsulates themes of love, loss, and longing, framed within the metaphor of roses and a crimson cloak. The repetitive refrain emphasizes the mourning and devotion of the speaker, connecting to the traditional structure of the ballad. The use of iambic meter and simple rhyming pattern creates a rhythm that complements the solemn and reflective mood of the poem.

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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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