Alternate Self: The Guardian

One of my selves is a beautiful door, ripened with age

and wearing a coat the hue of the Aegean on a cloudless day. 

My eyes are glass or wood
and rimmed with eyelashes of dainty filigree.

I safeguard spirits embodied within

and mark their comings and goings.

"Guardian" © 2009 Meri Arnett-Kremian

Strangers may gaze in my eyes but they will not seduce me.

I cannot be tricked, for the wisdom of the ages

is encoded in my core.

I stand vigilant, waiting, watching, protecting.

Intruders will rue my strength if they try to harm those I love.