Puzzling Perceptions Poem by James Walter Orr

This rose, which stands erect when in your presence,
now bows its head, and lets its shattered blossom
stand as mute testimony to the hollow
void, that so poignantly, shores memory's image
of that so sweet enigma you present me,
but holds aloof, allowing not the entrance
of this old poet‘s heart, lonely and broken,
amidst the shattered dreams, and my own longings,
for you, oh woman, to my heart forbidden.
You dwell beyond my sight, obscure and hidden.

The fortress of your heart, perceived as shuttered,
to me, the one so easily enchanted
by connotations I, myself, invented
and to your lovely name made my attachments;
whom in a quest that numbers in the hundreds
of other girls; I made my explorations
in vain attempts to find the sort of magic
that you, to me, through fate's decree, have given.
I’ve found no other offered such illusion,
that makes my heart and soul feel such confusion.