To Odile

Michael Peach

Your impish smile
Which at the slightest hint
Of injustice or deceit
Gives way to indignation
Says it all.

And, living as you do
Off nervous energy or sheer spirit,
You bring to mind
An urban flower or country cat
Who chose the city.

Childlike but not na?ve;
No thoughtless thrills for you,
Alchemical catalyst;
Nor empty platitudes,
Earnest vigilant nurse.

Cordelia of the Bay,
Fit only for a wise king;
Jeanne de Berkeley –
May you never lose your Voice,
O worker-prophetess.

Jerusalem
12 May 1992

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