Ivory Gate

They keep me up

in the tower

in the high room

close to the moon 

and the sun 

just me and my dreams 

and the gate 

built of ivory and bone 

all blanched and white

like the foam of milk

if I set my eye

against the carved scrollwork 

heaving with flowers and 

feathers and fantastic 

creatures

I can see 

into the darkness 

into your souls

into the truth of you

and every time 

that flash of revelation strikes

I promise myself 

never again 

never again

never again

until the next time.

Maid Maleen by Arthur Rackham

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Arthur_Rackham_Maid_Maleen1.jpg