Never Knew | Aimee Mari Merci Dominique Iragena

Marie Antoinette was born Austrian in an idyllic family, and, according to certain sources, she enjoyed music, horseback riding, and playing with her dog in her childhood. History has it that she changed from a simple, extravagant woman on marrying the Dauphin of France, Louis XVI. She was ruthlessly executed on the guillotine; something, in her young age, she never knew would happen to her.

November 2, 1755: born from mother’s courage
Ready to receive the world’s marvels
Conceived in a bubbly marriage
Never knew she was in for struggles.

Inexplicably in love with music and life,
From philos-filled childhood
Would have been an impulsive lie
She’d be the essence of a lady-in-waiting’s chair.

Dressed in jewelry-less gowns, Austrian
But trained to “eros” a king and money
Her nights and gowns, now as complex as an octopus
Never knew she’d miss tender mother’s “Honey.”

Still dove-like, her flaws, so deeply charming
Deep molded into shallow, insatiable gold,
How did she end up chained?
Her head, just a mere fold?

In daisy-filled greens, tickling lick of her dog
Never knew that eerie day would be with fog
Petite figure on horseback, she’d loved
Never ever knew the blinding glint of the guillotine
Would be her end.

Featured image by Stefan K via Unsplash

Born in Rwanda in 2005, Aimee Marie Merci Dominique Iragena is a student and author who began writing poetry at age 11 as an escape. She published her debut poetry book in 2022, aiming to become a professional writer and actress.