 Hellelil and Hildebrand, the Meeting on the Turret Stairs, by Frederic William Burton (Ireland) 1864 Before the Bloodshed Lovers sequestered in a spiral stair Below a turret they will never reach Hellelil resigned, eyes downcast, Leans her brow on the ashlar wall Fingers brace the frigid stone Auburn braids spill on lapis lazuli Hildebrand clings to Hellelil Chainmail chafes her slender wrist Binding her to his vermilion tunic Woven with griffins in golden thread He burrows deep into her sleeve Eyes closed to breathe lavender one last time A rumble of footsteps echoing near A white rose shattered at their feet Hildebrand’s sword is sheathed Keen to taste approaching blood James Morehead James Morehead is Poet Laureate Emeritus of Dublin, California, host of the Viewless Wings Poetry Podcast, and has published several poetry collections including The Plague Doctor. "tethered" was transformed into an award-winning animated short film, Twilight in the Sculpture Forest won Best Documentary at the Los Angeles Poetry Film Festival, and “gallery” was set to music for baritone and piano. He has been published in the Ignatian, Citron Review, The Ekphrastic Review, LHavik, and others. James has performed in Patagonia's Poet Laureate Celebration, NPR’s Poetically Yours, and as Guest Poet at the 20th Annual Haiku Festival.
1 Comment
Kathleen Granchelli
4/17/2026 01:47:57 pm
What a lovely poem describing this magnificent painting! A great title and first line brought me right into your poem. It was a pleasure to read. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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