Portchia's Chest Poem by Mohammad Yousef

By Mohammad A. Yousef

In the quiet shadows,
where whispers gather like dust,
lies a chest, ornate and grand,
tucked in a corner of her father's dreams.
Brass lock glints under the soft light,
inviting yet stern,
holding secrets like the tides hold the moon.

The air thickens with a mix of fate and fortune,
a puzzle carved in wood,
three locks, three choices,
each a path diverging in a wood,
one gilded with hope,
one draped in silver's gleam,
and one stark, dull, void of promise,
denying wishes, shunning light.

In the bustling streets of Venice,
where merchants trade whispers like gold,
Patience walks hand in hand with Time,
drawing breath, steady as a river.
Her friends, lively with dreams,
gaze at the glint of opportunity,
hearts fluttering like butterflies,
unaware of the weight woven in choice.

Bassanio, the gallant,
eyes like sunlight dancing on water,
hunger in his heart,
fueled by love and by debt,
seeks her heart and her hand,
drawing near that fabled chest—
fingers trembling, palm cold,
the reflection of his fate mirrored back
in Portchia's knowing gaze.

"Wisdom wrapped in shadows,
search carefully, " she says,
words a gentle breeze in a thick fog.
With hope, he steps forward,
casts his lot against despair,
third choice dances in his mind,
ephemeral but brave.

Clutching the key to possibility,
the first chest glimmers,
filled with surface shine,
tempting yet hollow,
the gold mere gilding,
the allure of appearances.

Second glance, second choice,
a silver light twinkles,
but inside, whispers of wealth,
with no warmth;
nothing formed of love,
just echoes of canny trade,
a mask with no music to sing.

And then, the final lock,
where darkness meets dawn—
Portchia's chest opens wide,
revealing a heart made of truth,
etched in courage,
for within this choice,
awaits a future unfurling,
life bathed in real love's glow.

Now the weight of the ring,
a promise drawn in love and respect,
the bond stretching beneath the stars,
where fate, fortune,
and duty entwine
like vines preparing for spring.

Outside, the world may rush,
boats glide, laughter lingers,
but within this quiet moment
two hearts smile back—
A chest, not merely of gold,
but a treasure of endless tomorrows,
each choice—a step,
and love,
the greatest gift ever worn.