TRYPTICH: PORTRAIT OF A ROSE

i. Justice

Wise Blind,
Demand the four
Sisters: “Not what
We do.”

78 doors,
Signs of the Ruler.

The sword spares:
“You’ve spent your time,”

To gain, or
Regain, to stand
At the shore.


ii. The Priestess

Blue and black
Fruit, between
Pillars and Moon.

At her feet,
He reads,
Behind the curtain.

J for beginning,
Where the final wing
Is unseen.

“Reclusive nun,
I’ve anew—
Cold, uncanny,
Ripe for Another,
Twixt sorrel and Queen.”


iii. The Lovers

Cupid’s Angel,
Wisdom’s fiend—
Animist of radiant green:

The flowering tree marks the path,
Day’s recognition of
The Emperor’s trust.

Three figures
Find you: Gemini’s
Dart, Gemini’s
Morrow, Gemini’s
Root.

The twins—
They predict exactly,
Down to the fruit.