Scheherazade (poem)

A sonnet based on the character from Ghost Quartet/1001 nights. The context may be helpful.

Scheherazade curls the darkness around her fingers

1001 nights she keeps the Shah’s dreams at bay

As he drifts towards sleep, his last thought lingers

On what happens next- she must live another day.

The earth is full of foremothers under their feet

Storyless brides tossed the night before

In stagnant escape, this last bride will meet

No periled end as she had in store

Oh, what of the thousand and second night?

What stopped her fables for expectant ears?

Did the words tangle up in linguistic fright?

Are there unlimited tales to scare off fears?

For all the skill of our hero to connive,

Do the stories live, or do they keep her alive?