‘Rodrigo’s Lament’: A Poem by Damon Rose

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Rodrigo’s Lament

The legendary knight El Cid duels with his fiancé’s father.

His rasping knavish voice profanes my good name.
It grates my ears, now content I am no more
To let insult to me like this slide. I shore
Up courage to act—none question El Cid’s fame.

Sword drawn I have at him. Pleas for mercy tame
Not my vengeful blade as cold steel slashed and tore
Through his soft flesh; his garment spattered with gore.
Upon the floor he bleeds out slowly. A shame

That such life be wasted. Lo what have I done?
My rage subsides; I behold the ghastly scene.
Truly the good Lord and heaven’s gates shall shun

Me from his presence? For life has lost its sheen.
I hath slain the father of my love. Now none
Can forgive me save her, the lovely Ji’meen.

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Damon Rose is a master’s student at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He is currently pursuing studies in plant pathology.