Around you exists
a halo of perfection
arrayed and displayed
in delicious form
succulent and tender
with no hint of a flaw
fragile and vulnerable
like a flower at dawn
tantalising and sweet
like wine in the stem
subject to the tides
that ebb and flow
rollercoasters of emotion
driven from afar
wild as the surge
that breaks on the shore
gifted from above
with the elixir of love
creating the words
that alter and span
the breadth of life
and eternity's spark
never to be found
again in this dream
once to be born
and then to disappear
behind the extending veil
that bridges the pillars
hidden behind your smile
that masks the real you
drama and poise
is the name of the game
on the stage of life
you play again and again
bruised in the course
in the quest for the Grail
endurance has carried you
through the long dark night
instilled and inspired
the warrior's fight
that cuts away
the cords that bind
and lights the torch
that brightens the way
to new found lands
that beckon and call
linger here
forever and a while
and I am bewitched
within the frame
that captures your heart
at the still of dusk

Copyright by Peter Paton 2005