Ode to the Calla Lily

tender-pale mouth 
soft fairy bed 
when I see you I’m all wound 
long white throat bared in supplication 
longing for kisses 
silken curves of your spathe enveloping a gentle secret 
you curl and enfold like a protective mother 
liquid folds swathe your treasure 
the spadix emerges proud and erect 
even O’Keefe was haunted by your​ halting perfection 
suddenly you come into view 
and tears burn my mouth 
snow-white sentinel 
petals spiraling into moist-white hearts 
horns of ivory gramophones 
singing a slow pianissimo 
so potent a symbol you can herald 
both love and death 
and like love you house a subtle latent poison 
since you refuse to be owned completely 
flower of true ardor 
scentless and pure 
hover over me with heaven’s canopy 
I want you guarding forever 
my heart in passion's throes