Asylum

a⋅sy⋅lum

 /əˈsaɪləm/ Show Spelled Pronunciati[uh-sahy-luhm]

–noun

1.	(esp. formerly) an institution for the maintenance and care of the mentally ill, orphans, or other persons requiring specialized assistance.

2.	an inviolable refuge, as formerly for criminals and debtors; sanctuary: He sought asylum in the church.

3.	International Law. a. a refuge granted an alien by a sovereign state on its own territory. b. a temporary refuge granted political offenders, esp. in a foreign embassy.

4.	any secure retreat.

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Synonyms:
2. haven, shelter, retreat.



Asylum -
(as Inspired by the Shot Gun Sister, and Jon)

Summer
and hair
are not about love,
nor do they remind us of love.

Fair skin,
fine bones,
and soft lips,
belong not to the realm of love either.

The sister
who stands
shotgun in hand
staring down her sibling's oppressor.

Her twisted face
sneers
come around here
and you'll have no seed (or sword) to spare for love again.

(Love is fierce.
But not injurious.
And sister, you will be safe here.)


A million smiles,
glowing glances,
a wink across the air,
love resides in not one of these gestures.

A coat (for warmth),
an arm (for strength),
a shoulder (for tears),
it seems we are getting closer.

The husband
who stands
empathy at hand
while his wife shatters their castle.

Stand over her
he does;
as his love
stretches into an arbor (of vine and flower) to protect her.

(Love is asylum.
But has no constraint.
And wife, you do belong here.)


Big Love,
O.