WITHIN THE SANCTION OF THE WALLS
Within the sanction of the walls
that posture proud in majesty,
no lights in lonely windows show
beneath the timber overhang.
The silver line of lunar rays
peer shy across the girdling grounds
where flower beds in clear distinction
display their flora to the night.
With shadows not dispersed by lamps
their footsteps grind on gravelled paths,
in words no humbler audience hears
their voices spoken to the wind.
Her spectral smile belies
the unbefitting language used
and withered flowers define her mood
endowed in rayless shadows form.
And deep behind her gibbous eyes
the shadows of her self esteem
lie trapped in unrequited love
within the sanction of the walls.
Michael Edwards © February 2017