Black Ophelia

Not grasping flowers as she descends to oblivion,
Merely holding paraphernalia of abuse,
her sweet voice silenced by the heavy kiss of death,
as she sinks in her  olive oil waters.

Bathing, in preservation of beauty,
the black Ophelia falls prey to the bard's sweet words,
the waters, “pulled the poor wretch down to muddy death.”
“incapable of her own distress.”

No flowery verse to mourn this passing,
no singing softly as she succumbs  this coil.
The black Ophelia’s eyes are closed,
as the cold waters  seal her fate.



Inspired by John Mellias' painting "Ophelia" and the circumstances of the death of Whitney Houston.