Pillar and Bell

Lady Writing a Letter with her Maid – Johannes Vermeer c.1670

By Graham Burchell

I am a pillar
a central column
Doric most likely
brown fluted shaft
with a plain capitol
tilted towards temperance
(leaded into the window)
for deliberate effect

She is a bell
the crown textured
with the feel of pearls
then softness and business
upon a dome of rich red
and for a clapper
elements of agitation
wax tossed letter and seal

I am dead center
stiff as rock
her quiet strength
lips tight arms folded
yet holding outside
and inside together
waiting for the sun
to shine again

She is oblivious
bell ringing writing
rising bosom
behind a quivering quill
whilst laid like ebony weight
upon her shoulders hangs
the Finding of Moses as
abandonment and secret love