Shylock is a fictional character from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, notorious for the pound of flesh he demanded in lieu of a failed repayment of debt.
I am Shylock; I’m true to my trade
I lend money, not without a rate
I need security, money is hard-earned
Those who borrow should ensure it returned
I’m a mercenary, but what about those
who tore me to shreds on trading floors?
Who gave them the right to demean or shun
an incident of birth, my default religion?
He owes me the flesh that pulsates with hatred
How can anything negative be held sacred?
He owes me the heartbeats he stole from me
My wealth, my daughter; they are dear to me
Poetics at dVerse – Step into the lead – hosted by Merril.
This one is a tricky one..both seem in the wrong, but certianly Shylock’s hatred is the deepest and most certainly the most lethal. A good subject well told.
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Great to put Shylock into the limelight – an invidious position he was in although he might have handled his response better… Great oblique rhymes where nothing true would do.
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One of the more complex characters… and so often seen through the lens of prejudice
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Yeah… Prejudice against a certain committee is what drew me to the character. His conduct is another story.
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Love your well written poem.
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Thank you, Diana!
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Excellent take
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Thank you, Sadje!
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You’re most welcome
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I always felt bad for shylock. Whenever I taught merchant of Venice, I would encourage my students to think of all the perspectives of the characters and understand where Shylock comes from.
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You are so right.
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You’ve chosen a difficult character, especially in this day and age, so points for that, Reena! You’ve given him some motivation beyond a hated stereotype.
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Thank you, Merril!
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You’re welcome, Reena!
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