Threshold Condition

O false-faced Janus, you've let this all begin!
What use, you two-faced bastard, if you will not warn,
or better, guard the doorway you adorn?
Seems any lustful fool can find his way within!

I can't believe it's my fault to have thought
my house a refuge not to be defied,
yet you've allowed this person access long denied
into the only sanctuary that I've got!

What good's a god whose gaze can look both ways
and see the merit in some other man's desire?
Whose grace bestows acceptance of that fire
and permits a single night of bliss to last for days?

Why should I pray and sacrifice in vain
when it's clear to me as well as he and thee
that despite my protests I am no longer free?
I vow, it's only right that I complain!

Oh, here -- accept this bowl of wine as my assent;
for love begins though passion's spent, and now I know
such passion, once aroused, can only grow:
it's plain to see it was from heaven sent!

This poem is © 2009 Merkin, to whom comments may be sent.