it's all over now veronica
you're at peace now veronica
twenty six
and already considered over the hill
marriage to a lord
was not what you expected
veronica
no one important
came to the wedding
except a dusted off
old dowager countess
propped up for the occasion
afraid a major's daughter
didn't quite cut the mustard
in the aristocratic circles
veronica
ensuing
bitter divorce battles
custody battles
brutality
beatings
drunkeness
gambling
drove you to the edge
of insanity
no one was going to take your side
veronica
poor nanny sandra got murdered
by mistake
the bludgeon was meant for you
veronica
you
were murdered in different ways
veronica
lost your children
no contact with them for thirty five years
never met your five grandchildren
died alone
poor veronica
when it rains or snows
maybe a kind thought
can be spared for the woman
who gave the homeless
shelter
when they are dry and warm
i hope they at least remember you
veronica
Veronica Lucan left all her wordly possessions and money to the homeless.
What a sad and tragic tale. Your elegy does well to cast a gentle light upon this soul tjat should've been protected, but was instead abandoned to the margins due to class.
ReplyDeleteWe humans are a shameful lot; smart enough to do better, and yet...
A sad story captured and remembered well. We can only hope she is at peace now. Wonderful writing Rall!
ReplyDeleteLoved it . . . Poor Veronica indeed.
ReplyDeleteShe is the kind of person who wonders whether it is dangerous to get out of bed . . . every day . . lol
A very sad story, loved you poem about Veronica. The last stanza got to me, I don't think I could handle that.
ReplyDeleteYes, how tragic. "you were murdered in different ways veronica" Goodness that is powerful.
ReplyDeleteYes, I watched that too. Her honesty and self-awareness impressed me - and also, in a different way, that fact that she didn't understand why her children didn't care for her very much ... after the typical aristocratic upbringing, early on, of nannies and parental absences. And then, too, I was impressed by her quiet commitment to remembering Sandra (who was clearly friend as well as nanny).
ReplyDeleteSuch a tragic story — you have penned it in such a powerful and emotive manner.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad story. And typically, of those who suffer, she helped others to suffer less. An interesting poem, and life, well told.
ReplyDeleteNot familiar with her story, but you made it sound oh so decadent...and I like decadent...so will look into it.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad story. I am not familiar with it, but now I have an interest.
ReplyDeletethe repetition works here - so sad - I'll have to watch the film.
ReplyDelete