Magdalen

Another cloiter, plainer than before
But when I look, there is more

Peering through the window
Peering back I see

Stone creatures intently looking
Watching, talking, guarding

The majestic lion
Quietly ponders the courtyard green

White and pink flowers interwined with ivy
Towards two cherubs almost talking lively

A single sign in the doorway I see
These creatres guard the grass from you and me

** for all the forbidden grass in Oxford, and all those who long to tread it underfoot.