Tales of Hoffmann

Tales of Hoffmann Illustration by Sergei Sudeikin

three separate loves
prima donnas
distinctive of charms

each one torn
from his heart
unto tragic demise

operatic conceit
a libretto device
of the fabulist

lattice from which
hang the tales
to be sung

these three lovers
three aspects of
one personality

beautiful diva
in clutch of a
villainous lust

she the hero’s own
one and true love
whom he shuns

with caprice of
a mad drunken mind
in sway of his nemesis

leaving him loveless
alone with his muse
and her schemes

the curtain descends
on his destiny
that of a solitaire poet

whose sole inspiration
the personal anguish
of love ever lost