#NaPoWriMo day thirty

On most of his journeying
at home and abroad
Edward lingered
just long enough
to acquire open neglect,
a dark and imperious temper;
his wasted frame
wrapped in the skin
of hope.
 
*
 
There had to be a home.
However, as the case may be,
nothing is known about those
who lingered—there has been little
statistical recognition.
 
Here is what is recorded:
he was born, died, buried.
 
So ends the story:
a rare and lovely name
destined to ill luck.
 
They did everything possible
to save him—his wasted frame,
his energies, filled with all
manner of replicas, his body.
 
*
 
There is a disagreement among authorities
as to the number: some say fifteen,
others seventeen, eleven, or thirteen.
Their names – those who lingered:
Eleanor, Joanna, Margaret, Mary, Elizabeth,
Alice, Blanche, Beatrice, Katherine.
 
This much is well established:
all shared beauty. Some were blond
and blue-eyed, some duskier.
Beauty was worshiped.
 
That story will have to be told later.