Jennifer Lagier

STAY WITHIN YOUR WALLS

Guinevere paces
her convent cell,
fumes at fate,
perfidious men,
the injustice
of involuntary confinement.
Knows Arthur
brought alienation
of affection
upon himself,
parking her
inside empty stone walls
while he caroused
day and night
with boisterous homies.
Launcelot was no better—
big promises then
hasty exit when caught
with his pants down.
Left in the company
of virgins who
don't know what
they're missing,
she is bitter, repents
romantic love,
infatuation that comes,
quickly disappears.
Passion—a fleeting phase
that empties your bank account,
compromises credit,
leaves your heart broken.


Jennifer reads "Stay Within Your Walls":



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Jennifer confesses: "'Stay Within Your Walls' was inspired by perfect storm—the conjunction of a line from a Charles Bukowski poem, which I used for the title, with a wry, contemporary take on Arthurian legend from Guinevere's point of view."

JENNIFER LAGIER has published nine poetry books and in multiple literary magazines. She taught with California Poets in the Schools and is now a retired college librarian and instructor. She is a member of the Italian American Writers Association, co-edits the Homestead Review, and helps coordinate monthly Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Second Sunday readings. Website: http://jlagier.net