REFLECTIONS ON VERMILLION

The ruby lord prays by thrones of old

and calls their powers to rest on man.

A jet case parts; his sceptre blasts realms

his regal chest bears a vivid red rose.

It strews blood mist; the sick moon beams

she sears grey troops who stab her grace.

In rent, jade woods a holly shrub winks

As waves hurl ships that guard God's fleece.

ENCHANTER OF HEARTS

The night lord robes a dryad in trance

He sways her soul with hymns and lauds

to seek his isle where love hones crowns.

As pink stars twirl they spin lace trains

the sun priest seals vows willed by light.

But tree maids sail to realms of grief

and bathe their heads in pure gilt tears.

The fell moon glares and scorns raw pleas

to loose God's prize he ripped with guile.

His white cape melts; a green skull roars

ire stabs black waves; ten sea fiends rise

Their tails rend wood; souls plunge and rot.