The Ilex Tree

Agnes Lee

What spirit touched the faded lambrequin,
And slept? The doorway’s lintel, ambered, rosed
With age, overlooks a stunted ilex tree
Grown in the middle path. Its branches guard
The house in silence, or with green dark gesture
Spreading protection, whisper pleadingly:
“The past is asleep behind the lambrequin.
Do not go in. The door is closed.”