Dawn Ferrett (Portsmouth, Hampshire)

I've never known the love the poets write of.
I've never felt that yearning deep inside.
The passion of young Juliet for Romeo
For me has, somehow, always been denied.

When poets speak of 'ardour' and 'devotion'
I really do not comprehend their thrall.
And as for 'burning desire', that's an emotion
That I truly do not understand at all.

It's not that I have never known the feeling
Of being loved, and loving in return,
But I'm pretty sure that love of friends and family
Is not the kind that causes hearts to burn.

There's something deep within me that's resistant
To the rapture that most other folk embrace.
A safeguard, I suppose, against rejection.
I retreat into myself - my sheltered space.

But, though it sometimes gets a little lonely,
It's not as bad as some of you might think.
My heart's not ever likely to get broken,
And I'm not so sad it's driven me to drink!

So, I know I'll never be the great romantic.
When my heart burns, I know it's indigestion!
And I'll laugh when someone says that 'Love's the answer! '
'Cos I didn't even ask the bloomin' question! ! !