Invitation

36 Cuthbert Road

Out of the ordinary world, a precious stone
set in a hillside, a gull’s cry from the sea,
and some, it’s said, can enter its small chamber.
And I too was invited, but my spirit,
too broad and clumsy for an elemental
stowing-away, could only watch and wonder.
A hall and galleries of raftered crystal
were near, a scent of seawood cast ashore,
and herbs of old time freshly picked, a touch
of all-dependable rock deeper than Earth,
and light blew in. There is a way of being,
observing Nature’s crafts and handiwork,
a need of the living heart, that has dream-drawn
this jewel to me, a guest and an outsider.