Princess Changping

Sonnet outlining the sad life of Princess Changping of China (1630-1647)

She could not rest serenely in her death
after life's surfeit of suffering
in truth she drew a pain filled final breath
but first fell a father’s brutal sword sting
To her mother murdered, the sobbing child
clung, till struck from her body was her arm
fear of near future, drove her parent wild
to save his daughter from a greater harm
She survived, but was forced into marriage
from which a pregnancy so soon ensued
but a blow brought about a miscarriage
and death followed we are led to conclude
Changping’s brief lifetime was seventeen years
Her legend outlived a life full of tears.

Based on: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Princess_Changping