Poem 058, Sonnet 21: Downfall Poem by Samer Madbak

I’m sorry, damosel, you failed the test,
I tried to help you, God knows that I tried,
For three years have I toiled, my efforts plied
In vain, my labor disapproved, unblest.
I tried and failures twain were manifest:
My shallow slip and your abysmal slide
Beg no more aid, dead is your loving guide
Pit-lodger! Call no more, deaf is my crest
The friend of years now silently regressed
His spirit as of old times ossified
His tenets, thoughts, ideals, all denied
His pity, love, inveigled to arrest
Himself to rest as he was wont to be
And you, and love and friendship…vanity!


Beirut
June 17th 1989