The Penniless Poet

Quill poised upon paper bare, the young man stares.

    The air gives not light nor thought to plight

But severs breath to mete the Poet.

    Hapless thoughts are met with silence.

Love lorn, divided of heart  and barren garret.

  An empty plate and bottle green eyes matching companion upon ancient beam.

Emerald eyes  purr slumber sweet,

      no pangs for Bastet her appetite meet.

Upon wooden couch and threadbare cushion,

      murine trails and tails for the Daughter of Ra.

The Poet’s woes untangled by mirth keep spirit alive,

      while Sister of Sekhmet travels afar through London street.

Alas — from empty page words upon wings, spring and delight.    

     Mihos son of Bastet brings forth life! There shall be wine and meat tonight.

Beneath dark leadened sky by lamplight glows, a booksellers

           window of glass and gold.

Words from the deep and shattered soul sheathed in leather.

         Tale telling truth untethered, once departed cannot return. Framed eternally from a fainting pen.

          A feline shadow upon brick is drawn,  wife  of Ptah cannot be tamed.  Black reflected within window pane.

      To enter once more that hallowed ground where poet,  priest and love is found.

~ James Middlemarch