Editor's note: Shannon's poem intrigued me and that's what made it one of the October winners. Is it based on "The Princess and the Pea"? I think so. The description is certainly enticing. Addition, 2020: I still stand by my original point. And I would note that Shannon continues to build a stellar career. Here’s her eponymous blog.
Tithe every household a wagon of chaff
and a goose
bring me a ship of the finest linen
call up an army of seamstresses, weavers
and carters
woodsmen to fell the forest.
My Liege, employ the kingdom.
Bid them make the scaffolds mighty
(and sturdy)
let it rival the tallest castle spire
build me a tower
layer by layer
straw, ticking, down and silk.
Send your armada to escort me across the ocean
raise me up in a litter of gold
borne on the backs of champions
lay me down under a canopy of stars
and promise me Heaven.
I will give you my hand
my fidelity, benediction
coronation in the circle
of my arms
I will give you my body
sovereignty
in my hills and valleys
my flesh, my womb
I will give you sons
and daughters
you will never be forgotten
nor forsaken.
I will give you solace
at day’s end
I will soothe your weary bones
forgive your sins, my dear one.
I will give you my heart
and a home
but first
you must pass
a simple test:
lie with me
in this tower of ambition
under the gaze of angels.
I will feel it
if you have hidden
even the smallest doubt
I will sense it
if your harbor
the merest kernel of a lie.
Your thoughts
are as plain to me, my King
as the view from our marriage bed
the palm of the earth
open, her fingers
tickling the shore.
From here a boulder
is a pebble
a pea
Sire, lie with me
and if you do not love me
I will know.
***
Image is “Sleep,” by Simeon Solomon.
***
Shannon Connor Winward's poetry and fiction have appeared widely in such venues such as: Pedestal Magazine, Strange Horizons, Flash Fiction Online, Enchanted Conversation, Illumen, Ideomancer, and various anthologies. Her poem, “All Souls’ Day” was nominated for a 2012 Rhysling Award.