ENIGMA

She was a quiet type
Of woman.

Sometimes
Drowsy as a summer bee.

Sometimes
Sharp as a mosquito.

Unknowable
As any sphinx enduring
In a desert

Calling up dark spells
Of old gods.

Glittering
With lies and magic.

Grate her bones.
Find her holding centuries

Within her ancient
Fingers.

                    ©2023 Gwen Grant

LITTLE BLUE CAR
1992 Listed ‘One hundred best British Books.’

  A SMALL MISUNDERSTANDING

This was the first prayer ever taught us,
Long before we could understand
Or be aware of our need for prayer.

Standing in ragged rows, eyes closed, we began,
‘Our Father, who art in heaven.’
But through a small misunderstanding
This became a little prayer for
‘Our Arthur, who art in Devon.’

Still, even not knowing Arthur,
We were happy that our prayer
Put that little intrepid wanderer
Into such safe and loving care.

                                               ©2018 Gwen Grant

 Back at last, after no internet for days and days.

A MINUTE AFTER MIDNIGHT

The world is dressing already
For a day of loveliness.

New dreams poised to take over
From all the old dreams
Frayed at the edges.

Hope patching the tattered pieces
Until you can’t even see the join.

                       © 2020 Gwen Grant

DON’T LIE

Do not lie to me of love,
Or act as if the whole is good,
When every time I try
To catch your eye,
You turn away.

Golden words fall from your lips,
That wicked tongue can silver iron,
Until your lies
Cover me like dust.

I beg.

Do not lie to me of love.

                        ©2023 Gwen Grant