Thwarted Love Poem by Michael Walker

I thought I saw the face of my desire,
But I could not caress her gentle cheek,
For, like the water crackles in the fire,
I thought that I had found what I did seek.

I do not know whether it is better
To have come close and to be turned away
Than never to have ever met her
Whose face seemed to be hers for whom I pray.

Had I known the mind behind that face!
Then, I could kiss her, or simply forget,
But as it stands, I long for her embrace,
Unsure if it would be cause for regret.

Would that we could speak like children do,
And say to one another, 'I love you.'