I waited as the ages rolled
And poets did their best to charm
A story from these sealed lips –
You thought I’d come to offer love
But silence is the spell I cast
There are no words to test
The mute metal of my heart.
Know only I was born red hot
Knew fluid moves until I froze
To this stiff pirouette.
My dancing days are done
Cooled off in Medway mud
A tempered treasure dressed
In rust like dried up blood.
Sure, I’ve scrubbed up well
My polished armour keeps a lid
On secrets only gods are privy to.
You may fall before or worship me
Leave what store of faith you have
Unguarded by the door, I know my place
I’ll keep it safe and wait
Till you come back for more.
JAN NOBLE 