On Reading the Biography of Henry I: A Triolet By Jacob Riyeff

On Reading the Biography of Henry I: A Triolet

In the failing evening’s light I read
of England’s early, sturdy kings.
To rest—for rest is what I need—
in the failing evening’s light I read
of Henry and of William. Here we’re freed
of royal yokes, but as Vespers rings
in the failing evening’s light, I read
of England’s early, sturdy kings.

Jacob Riyeff is a translator, poet, and scholar of medieval literature. His work focuses on the western contemplative tradition and the natural world. Jacob teaches in the English department at Marquette University and lives in Milwaukee’s East Village.