The Prima Donna

A sonnet about a mixture of talent, pride, and betrayal on an opera stage.

The Prima Donna

I was born to a fortunate life
Cocooned in silk from my first shaking breath
Money and name can buy away strife
I know now, however, coin cannot bribe death

I was so very young when I first sang
They hailed me as an angel, a saint and a sage
Those tolling bells, they loudly rang
In honour of me, saviour of opera and stage

I kicked to the dirt those who displeased
I was the princess, they were the slave
Those who I kicked I’d now beg on my knees
But begging never would convince the knave

They hated, despised, desired my life
They cleverly switched the wooden blade with a knife.