all the vain things that charm me most

for my wife Odessa
 
1
forbid me not
to leave your lips alone
though fervent kisses
render me undone
unspoken words
make your mouth-eloquence
superior to
tongue’s lyric evidence
 
2
forbid me not
to sacrifice my dreams
to ferry you across
swift-river streams
‘tis better i with you
procrastinate
than hurry lone to my
own golden gate
 
3
forbid me not
when i am twice a child
to guard with trembling hand
your trembling, wild
anticipation of
my toothless smile
old pride lacks dignity
age can defile
 
4
forbid me not
to weep upon your grave
if i should tarry
while you go, more brave
all the vain things
that charm me most, i yield—
to kiss, to dream, to live
—till i am healed
 
© Copyright 2020 April 02
by Clyve A. Bowen♫