TRAGEDY

     That Romeo and Juliet are doomed
     We know before the play even begins:
     In tragedy their deaths must be assumed,
     A consequence of their or others’ sins.

     And though we wish and pray for otherwise
     Each time we see the play, that by some grace
    The plot will deviate to our surprise
     And take us to a tragicomic place,

     It still persists along its fatal course
     Proceeding without remedy toward doom,
     For destiny will carve its way perforce
     And find what is inevitable—the tomb.

         Our lamentations, though, may help avoid
         Some future grief, our rashness being alloyed.

*