Guinevere and Lancelot
by Theodora Goss

I did not know
a love like this was possible,
said Guinevere to Lancelot.
It will bring down the kingdom
and the king, it will consume everything.

Lancelot replied
with a sorrowful look, putting
aside his book, you and I will burn
with passion and desire
until we are ash. How could that fire
not spread to the high towers of Camelot?
And yet, I would not give up
one touch of your hand
to save all England.

Nor I, said Guinevere,
bending her head, ashamed
and yet relieved it had been said.

(The image is Guinevere and Lancelot by Arthur Augustus Dixon.)