On unrequited love

Best of all is when love is requited
though better unrequite than not at all
and as aside a false love is love blighted
to say you love and do not is to fall

for friendship starts by fanning little flames
grow'st stronger still, as deeds and time make fire
consumed friends thus litter charr'd remains
when deeds of friendship grow into desire

most painful hopeless sound of all the world

is hearing one you love say they do not

but blame and guilt and pressure ought be furled
for tragic ends to dreams come with our lot

in fact, the simplest known of loving suit
is heartbreak'd unrequitement may result.

(1997)