To Her Ardent Lover
(original)
Had I but faith, not cause for doubt,
Your boldness, sir, would fain win out.
The fires of our lust would blaze
So hot and bright; your touch, your gaze
Would rend me apart and make me whole;
Would penetrate my willing soul.
The flames would burn ‘til save soft rain
And languid sweetness, naught remained.
And if mortality by chance
Should pass us by with but a glance
We could mine rubies in Lahore
Or stay in bed and fuck some more.
For untold centuries might transpire
And still not dull my keen desire.
But in my heart I always fear
That this must end in pain and tears.
While of two birds of prey you talk,
I feel the rabbit to your hawk.
For now you call my honor quaint
But if I loved without restraint
You’d bore and soon cast me aside.
My dignity and simple pride
May turn to dust when I am dead
But now they keep me warm in bed.
Now, therefore, though my body yearns
And still the earth, relentless, turns,
I shall forbear to bare my heart
Until I trust its counterpart.
Maggots in the grave may lack
Your serious eyes, your sturdy back,
Your care, your force, your intellect.
At least they won’t ignore my texts.