Spilliaert, Leon. Vertigo, Magic Staircase . 1908
Clandestination

A pathos hangs like a swag
on the headpost
of my black iron bed.

It is lapis lazuli blue
and its undertone is golden.

It brings a crystalline man
who whispers of marcasite
and tourmaline. They gleam
from the back of a gypsy van
I cannot see.

His eyes are like garnet charlotte
beads -- one facet more than hex,
unforgettable.

He calls me Oya and thunder rolls,
liberates the oil of a sandalwood box
that sits beside my pillow.
He polishes my extremeties
as if they were silver.

Bloodstone pours from
the back of his van --
makes a path for stepping.
He blesses me with rubies,
and drives with a wind
that transcends me through
a wall made of jade.

©2003 Peggy Putnam Owen





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