JULIET WITHIN

Inside she is kept to while and to wait From his wiles kept pristine by lock and door

A world an oyster enjoyed but a taste Quarantined from it all and loves allure

A window a way by trellis and might There possibility to see to meet Though his presence a poisonous delight

At a distance love incomplete

What use a flower to brighten empty rooms

To remind to tease of a life shut in A fate by now sealed a stifled bloom A cloistered rose a thorn in him

Oh but escape in sweet imagining Freedom within found in Heavenly dream

OLIVIA CHRISTY MANSON

Gisborne, NZ