THE ICE MAIDEN

A lady of ice strides up the aisle

as Mark and Ada link hands to wed.

She parts her cape; it stirs chill gusts

her coal lips curl; a fell dirge trails.

Veins die in frost that chokes the heart

the witch dame puffs; slaves rise to lands

where no sun thaws a gelid iron war

on souls who love and tie their joy

for man's cruel ruse sings free of rest.

ADIEU TO A STAR

O ruby star flare! Dim not your gaze

when the glad tree is shorn of grace

and doves part wings all fair with hay

in a drear barn that bore our salve.

O fire tip dart to pluck my soul

if rust eats holes so new love cries.

I pine for bliss; come melt this life

and let me waltz with your fond kin.

BEYOND THE LIGHT

I hail the morn a yew tree sang

to spray his dust of ruby and rose.

A fairy girl bowed; her garb was sun

She blest iron soil that hags once cursed

and woke the lakes with voice of silk

so I might gaze at high wars won

to shield this realm for souls in love

who fell the ghouls as light beams fire.

A DOVE DESCENDS

An olive twig falls; I taste its fruit

The tar of life melts from my soul.

A dove sails low; gold lights his head

He parts his beak and holy words pour

that grant me grace to kneel at thrones

where lost gifts well in glory of gems.

The wise, pure bird bears one in shade

Christ sears my mind; no veil hides guilt.

O RES MIRABILIS (O MARVELLOUS THING)

O guide, wing swift to swathe my seed

in the blue robe that glints with stars

so thorn and nail will bore no bed

for vipers to squirt the toxin of rot.

From your high realm let sail a kiss

if black art roars and rends my eyes.

O sweet maid gird your slave with fire

in times of blood when wicks fall dead.