Mistress Song by Wayne Myers

by turns my mistress harsh and gentle
wrapped in unfamiliar mantle
trapped by all that sets her free
beneath the grey forbidding sky

by choice my mistress for a song
will sell her secrets to the one
who bids the best but not the highest
burning bridges in the forest

bring my mistress poison ivy
she will make from it a gravy
for the evening sacrifice
then throw the plate back in your face

by turns my mistress gentle, harsh
and loving, with the simple force
of one whose right is always wrong
will answer every bell you rang

by choice my mistress in the sea
did cast away her jewels so
earned her keep another day
and let the leaning lesson lie

bring my mistress finest wines
to wash her face as evening wanes
splash on your carpet floor
break the glass and disappear


More poetry and other writing by Wayne Myers