Palace

Georgina Yael Johnson

Oh this mansion, this palace paraded beneath my feet,

Why did I not dare dwell in you?

Why was I intruded, threatened

and expelled?

Through which violet crevice

did anxiety's low wind hiss?

The music was ours, the light rods too

and jewels encased in troves

of infinity-studded abundance,

why not sing, dance, rejoice

in freedom of earth and frame?

Tourists, they came, and I was host

yet masked and disturbed

by theft, doubting to own it all...

instead stealing to cellars abandoned,

where untouchable crystals

encased in glass

wink lives and learnings lost,

...or climbing hopeless ladders up,

dressed imperfect and ragged

in a wedding dress of shame.

Wasted time invested

in learning of deeper betrayal

guilt at being, and beggar's blame.

Now is here alive

opening arches in love

blissfully brushing

sunkissed walls

and standing proud on floors

etched with ancient signs

uttering wisdom and divine

inspiration to create,

I kneel in prayer,

suddenly appointed

to light and occupy the halls

blessed with freedom's crown.