“Allegory” by Ami Kaye

Beauty walks alone on hallowed ground.
A maiden innocent, weary of life,
too soon aware of evil's alchemy,
she seeks to banish pain and end her strife.

She lifts the silvered water to her lips-
A saddened dove glides gracefully, and lands
upon the laden branch above her head,
calls out his song of love in lilting strands.

"Drink not," he sings, "you have more time to live,
to taste life's pleasures and its softer rain.
Go forth in peace and find your purpose here
before this world may prove to be your bane."

Attentive to these tones of clarity,
she stills her hand and rests her almond eyes
upon his glowing paleness as he flies
So earnest he, so tranquil-eyed and wise.

He flutters to her, begging her to wait,
she holds her breath and soon forgets her woes
as the dove soars high above her head,
and drifting down, transforms into a rose.