Kneeling by Your Chair - Skip Barthold

I am kneeling down beside you

at the foot of your chair

Listening to the words that you

are weaving through the air

I'm overcome with strength you've had

in adversity

And though you are beyond your prime

your looks still dazzle me

Defenseless in your air of grace

I dare not touch your hand

I am but a servant

It is you who have command

But how have you so long endured
might I have the pleasure
To ask you just once to reveal
the most fragile of your treasures
The soldier on your mantle piece
you helped though he later betrayed you
The student who squandered your fortune
on study and never repaid you
The politician who came for advice
though the town said your honor was tainted
How has a princess so pretty become
in the eyes of the world degraded

And I'll lap up every word you speak
Like warm milk for a cat
and let you hover over me
circling in attack
And I am full of feelings
you will never hear me say
I dare not mar the work of art
that you are up there making
So then I must be satisfied
to let your highness rule
And wonder how the dirt has grown
so glorious a jewel

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