Apples Are Hard Prizes
True Thomas’s Charm
Through this time’s tempering, transformed,
In little wisdoms less,
In strength augmented,
And in courage — rarely exercised — grown apt;
Given no fear of fortune:
In Justice to myself released
From all temptations — powers — times,
Crowning the vine of joy
With greater mysteries,
(Achievement of enchantment understood),
Now I can pass the double axe of death,
And from the centre make approach
Upon the pattern of the swirling stars.
Envoi
Apples are hard prizes
And come to heroes only,
Are awarded where
The unicorn lies down at last.
© The Estate of Ronald M. White
