Peeping Toms

There you areReading this Like peeping Toms.Intruders.Prowling round my soul.Pulling away the curtains,Tearing down the walls,Storming the gate.And yet it was I That let you in.Opening wide my chestTo wrap you up,Blessed ogler.  Sacred intruder.Hallowed guest.Here - bear away my finest.Take the candle sticks as well.Leave me barren But for the sweet perfumeOf one who wanted, prized my finest.Two threads of a tapestryTouching OnceBut Eternally knit into the same cloth we are.For in the spoilsYou bear away the sacred cupFrom which I drink.Can you bear to drinkFrom wells of sorrow?Can you dip the cup Deep into the cauldronWhere boils like acidThe scourge and the affliction,And then fly away like the bluebirdDeep, Deep into the sacred wood,Far from human tracks,Where shadows deepen,Like portals to the mystic plane?Beware the spoilsOf men who've lost their fear of death.Beware the spoils Of him who courts the thief.For if he who prizes more your soulThan all his richest treasuresSuffers you to carry off his valuablesDo not be surprised When that same spirit Fills your own houseAnd makes it his own.Yours and his of course.But his none the less.And there you are Reading this poemLike peeping Toms?No.Like next of kin.Here - pull up a chair.Sit by my fire.Drink deep the cupWarm and sweet.There now.That's right.Off to sleep.Sleep well my child.The bitter gourdWill wait for another day.But tonight we dwell safely here.Deep, Deep within my heart.Where none can hurt you.Stay a season if you mustOr a year Or a life timeFrom we are of the same cloth,Two threads of a tapestry,Touching OnceBut eternally knit,You and I.