Miranda - The Tempest

by Alice Woodrome

Fair Miranda, from her island home,
Watched the king's ship tossed in a storm
As it broke apart and spilled the men
Over the rail and into the foam.

The wicked king Alonso,
and son Ferdinand,
and their men --
washed up from the deep
on the sandy shore of a magical land.
They were promptly put to sleep.

Father and son on separate beaches
Awoke, then mourned and shivered
Each of them sure that they were alone --
The shipwreck's sole survivor.

Miranda's father, the wizard Prospero,
And the rightful Duke of Milan,
To settle the score, had cast a spell
And laughs as his fun began.

Prospero imprisoned the king's son.
Then it happened -- but not by chance
The captive and Miranda fell in love --
A Shakespearian romance.

Acts three and four are full of intrigue
There are spirits, monsters and witches,
Promises, too, and holding your breath
Through madness and double crosses.

Mercy reigns in the final scene,
And everything turned out swell.
King Alonso and Prospero reconciled
And a marriage sealed the deal.