Final answer:
The poem captures the essence of Act I of Romeo and Juliet, focusing on the exposition of the play which sets up the story of the 'star-cross'd lovers' from rival families and ends with their fateful meeting.
Step-by-step explanation:
In fair Verona where we lay our scene,
From ancient grudge breaks to new mutiny,
Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.
From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life;
Whose misadventured piteous overthrows
Do with their death bury their parents' strife.
The fearless Montagues, bold and brave,
Cross paths with Capulets, who likewise rave.
Young Romeo, heart sore and rather blue,
Suffers for the love he lost, not new.
But lo, at Capulet's gathering that night,
A spark ignites, fair Juliet in his sight.
Their eyes do meet – a forbidden sight
That sets them on a love's fledgling flight.
Two households, both alike in dignity,
In Verona, where we set our play.
In Act I's grasp, a bitter rivalry;
Prepares the path for love's sweet sway.