How Calumny killed Constancy
my riddle brings despondency
Esprit de corps, fraternity
done in by fell disloyalty
But whose, and what will be the key
to unlock secret closed conspiracy

Discord, a broken melody
listened to breeds malady

Dark cloud, this shroud cloaks healing truth
would we could return our youth
when honor sang
and heroes reigned
But innocence and naiveté
did not last beyond bright day
when evil’s twilight strummed his lay
was heard and swerved
untutored bird

Conductor of antipathy
breached our golden harmony

I forgive, even so
I never need to know
what spiritual catastrophe
scored this cadence of calamity
led brother, sister of my heart
to loose cruel-sharp
disowning dart

Instrument was tuned off key
it’s rhythm broke reality

Camaraderie and bonhomie
were to be our legacy
Now I say one thousand years
will not lessen all my tears
Dissonance, cacophony
counterpoint my love for thee
Yet one note sung true
will dispel this mood

Arrhythm of my riven heart
soothed only by a true soul’s art

Will you ever hear my song
slice through false chords––for this I long

         ----------------------------------------

cal·um·ny
n. A false statement maliciously made to injure another's reputation.

lay
n. 1. A narrative poem, such as one sung by medieval minstrels; a ballad. 2. A song; a tune.

ca·dence
n. Music A progression of chords moving to a harmonic close, point of rest, or sense of resolution.

ca·ma·ra·der·ie
n. Goodwill and lighthearted rapport between or among friends; comradeship.

bon·ho·mie
n. A pleasant and affable disposition; geniality.

dis·so·nance
n. A harsh, disagreeable combination of sounds; discord.

ca·coph·o·ny
n. Jarring, discordant sound; dissonance: heard a cacophony of horns during the traffic jam.

coun·ter·point
n. Music: A contrasting but parallel element, item, or theme.

ar·rhyth·mi·a
n. An irregularity in the force or rhythm of the heartbeat.