Poetry Day: Curse of the Bloodlines

(This is heavily inspired by Luke Callindor’s storyline throughout Legends of Windemere. First book is still free.)

*****

Is it a blessing?
To be born to fame?
Descended
From heroes
And legends
Of many bardic tales
Holding the respect
Of thousands
Without a single deed

People praise you
For what you may do
Ignoring
That you did nothing
It is called
A gift of birthright
Impossible to revoke
Driving many youths
To a destructive path

Many indulge
In the life of ease
And grow no will to try
They feed off the fame
Hiding behind stories
Of what their priors did
They add nothing to prestige
Tainting the legacy
For generations

The others fight
Refusing to accept
What they have never earned
With a passion
Rivaling the hottest dragon fire
They set out
To prove their worth
Swearing to the gods
That they will die trying

Both paths will destroy
Breaking bodies
And eroding spirits
Yet some will overcome
To live a happy life
Retiring in wealth
Or humility
With a fame
They can call their own

About Charles Yallowitz

Charles E. Yallowitz was born, raised, and educated in New York. Then he spent a few years in Florida, realized his fear of alligators, and moved back to the Empire State. When he isn't working hard on his epic fantasy stories, Charles can be found cooking or going on whatever adventure his son has planned for the day. 'Legends of Windemere' is his first series, but it certainly won't be his last.

View all posts by Charles Yallowitz →

10 Responses to Poetry Day: Curse of the Bloodlines

Chris The Story Reading Ape says:

November 17, 2022 at 11:28 am

Sums up Luke Callindor nicely, Charles 👍😃

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- Charles Yallowitz says:
  
  November 17, 2022 at 11:39 am
  
  Thanks. 😊
  
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L. Marie says:

November 17, 2022 at 3:16 pm

This is great, Charles! I’m sure you had Luke in mind, but I can also see some prodigy of celebrities this fits as well (but without the bardic tales, though those could be singles on albums to fit the modern day). 😊

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- Charles Yallowitz says:
  
  November 17, 2022 at 3:38 pm
  
  I think it was partially Luke, but I branched out to real world nepotism.
  
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  - L. Marie says:
    
    November 17, 2022 at 4:49 pm
    
    Yep! I can definitely see that!
    
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John W. Howell says:

November 17, 2022 at 4:16 pm

A terrific poem, Charles. I was lucky never to work where nepotism was allowed.

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- Charles Yallowitz says:
  
  November 17, 2022 at 5:08 pm
  
  Thanks. I’ve seen it in action over the years.
  
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  - John W. Howell says:
    
    November 17, 2022 at 5:14 pm
    
    That is too bad.
    
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V.M.Sang says:

November 18, 2022 at 4:37 am

I love the ideas and thoughts behind this poem, Charles.

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- Charles Yallowitz says:
  
  November 18, 2022 at 5:06 am
  
  Thanks. 😊
  
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