When and Only Then

When And Only Then When starving crows refuse to leave the trees dark kings stop shining their ancient golden crowns Stormy waves refuse to parade in Neptune's seas vestal virgins dance openly without their gowns Moon and stars refuse to give up their welcomed light earth refuses its rains their sweetest release Darkness evades the welcoming arms of night Jason fails and returns without that golden fleece Nature no longer renews with Spring's vows rocks crumble at gleaming dawn's newfound shine Milk and butter no longer comes from cows poets curse out loud and swear to no longer opine This festered realm begs to deny the One God on that dark road truth will still eternally plod Robert J. Lindley, 7-23-2017