Portrait of a Gentleman

By Marjorie Allen Seiffert

Tower of stone

Rugged and lonely,

My thoughts like ivy

Embrace my memory of you,

Climbing riotously, wantonly,

Till the harsh walls

Are clothed in tender green.

Tower of stone,

Stark walls and a narrow door

Which speak:

“You who are not for me

Are against me,—

If you are mine,

Enter!”

But who would be prisoned

In unknown darkness?

Tower of stone

Rugged and lonely,

I dared not enter and I would not go

Till clasping you

My arms were bruised and torn.