CHAPTER 3. LADY MERIDIAN
Alone beneath the zenithed sun
Nathaniel sought within his pack,
hoping he would find a crumb
to stay his hunger, for his lack
of solid meals was dazing him.
He saw a halo in the air,
as if the time were wearing thin,
or noontide had a dream to share.
A woman wandered through the haze,
her beauty of a gypsy kind,
his spirit rose in nature’s praise,
but words would not be his to find.
She carried cherries in a fold
of careless shawl, so bountiful;
the sunlight garnished her with gold.
Nathaniel saw a human jewel.
She sat beside him in the grass,
and offered cherries’ rich delight,
as heat of midday came to pass
Nathaniel gave away his heart.
In crimson, his awakened soul
sweet fruits of Eden wished to find;
her smile gave hint of stories told
from rich imagination’s mind.
This lady of meridian,
shared a glow-incarnate hour.
In silence she befriended him
by cherried heart and daisy flower.
She showed him finches in the leaves
as if evoking mysteries,
and ever after he believed
that love personified was she.
The shadow pooling at her feet
began to seek a new direction.
Noon was fleeting like a thief,
the moment passing its perfection.
Silently, she turned away
and left him pensive with regret;
Nathaniel knew she couldn’t stay,
but hoped she never would forget.
Chapter 2. Maid of the Morning