How to Find Me
Beyond my window,
a lonely turret-view;
the desperate moat below,
freedom’s elusive skies above.
I pass the hours naming clouds
as though they were my own
beloved flock.
Outside these weathered castle walls,
brambles of bitter thorns, still stained
with the blood of valiant suitors
too easily defeated by love’s
entanglements.
Or perhaps merely unprepared.
There are beasts in the shadows
just inside the tree line there,
do you see?
They are very protective of me.
While I appreciate the gesture,
I find it ultimately isolating.
Still, they do what must be done,
and with a vengeance that could only
be spawned from the worst kind
of trespasses. They will not see me
hurt again.
You will know them by the yellow
gleam of eye shine, their winged form,
and by their curious utterances
as they pace the forest’s edge,
on the look-out for rogues to chew up.
If the wind stills, you can just barely
hear them growling their creed.
Truth…Beauty…Honor…Trust…
Truth…Beauty…Honor…Trust…
Very few get past them,
and those who do, rare virtuous hearts,
usually succumb during the strenuous climb
to my window, where the air is thin
and wordless.
Do try, if you dare. It will not be easy,
but I welcome your intentions.
I will be brushing my very long hair
while I wait. Godspeed, my prince.
Claire Juno, © 2017
…inspired by the fairy tale “Rapunzel.”
vindicating vashti 