Emma suggested a sestina about Harry Potter. I think the entire HP story works well as a tragic unrequited lovestory about someone with crushingly low self esteem and major self harm issues falling deeply in love with the local golden boy, who can never return that devotion with anything more than kindness. I think Dobby is my favourite character.
It is in Dobby’s soul to want to work
But more to gain approval from his master.
When Dobby was an elflet, long ago,
A bad, dark wizard family bought Dobby
And they were cruel, but Dobby didn’t care
But then they tried to hurt poor Harry Potter.
Dobby had often heard of Harry Potter.
The boy on whom the death-curse wouldn’t work
Who lost his parents, had no one to care
For him, and Dobby wished he was his master
So he could take good care of him, so Dobby
Disobeyed his wicked masters just to go
And try to convince Harry not to go.
The first time Dobby met Great Harry Potter,
The honour was almost too much for Dobby!
Dobby had been so bad, and left his work,
And had to hurt himself, because his master
Would be so angry. Harry seemed to care.
Why should someone as great as Harry care
Whether a dreg like me should stay or go?
He didn’t see why I should have a master
Gave me a sense of self. Oh Harry Potter!
How I did love you! From then on my work
Was all for you. So you would care for Dobby!
I loved to hear you call my name “ Hey Dobby!”
It made me think, perhaps, that you could care
For me as I for you. I came to work
Near you after you made me free to go.
I lived for your kind words, my Harry Potter!
Though I was free, you’d always be my master.
I helped you fight against my former master,
Who would have thought it: timid little Dobby
Fighting against the dark with Harry Potter!
And when death came, at last I knew you cared
You held me, wept, and it was time to go.
Most precious moment in a life of work.
Oh Harry Potter, Most beloved master!
So hard you worked, and still had time for Dobby!
So I don’t care. For you, I’m glad to go.
Tom Juniper Poetry 