The Lovesick Fool! Poem by Denis Martindale

While poets come and poets go
And faithless lovers, too,
There yet abides this truth I know,
This poet's heart loves you...
And if I could seek one blessing
To fit into that scheme,
Then it's you, I'm now confessing,
To be that wish, that dream...

While hope exists, today at least,
What use unless it grows,
So that by faith it has increased,
To blossom like the rose?
Yet that, my love's just yours to grant,
Not mine and mine alone,
Because this lovesick fool still can't
Convince you on my own...

Like others, who once loved before,
I risk all things on love
And though I strive to know for sure,
I'll give you space enough...
Not press advantage borne of wiles,
Nor gifts your heart to buy...
Yet know this, princess, full of smiles,
I'll love you till I die...

And if that isn't your desire,
Then marry someone else,
In finery and best attire,
Blessed by those wedding bells...
But as for me, I'll never wed,
Because this love's so true,
Without your love, I'll stay instead,
This lovesick fool for you...


Denis Martindale, copyright, November 2013.