Sarah Henry

O stony face
Among the hostas!
Deliver us
From evil spirits!

Cast them out
With your mighty
Weight of wrought
Iron and marble!

Give us your
Constant grimace!
Deck the yard with
Your oblong shadow!

Behold your bulging
Eyes, their arresting
Pupils! Webbed, black
Wings are so fantastic!

What sleek ears
You have!
Two polished peaks
Amid the plantings!

O faithful gargoyle!
We’re counting on you!
Be the cherished
Monument to our grudges.