But Not For Thee Poem by Maurice Harris

But not for the fresh, fragrant air-
But not for the beauty out there-
If want not be for the sun's mighty glare,
It's beautiful setting, with naught to compare-
The magnificent, wondrous diversity e'erwhere-
Long since may I have fallen into deep despair!

Without the glory and the world's splendor
My fragile heart would remain too tender;
If not for marveling at beauty, again and again,
Long ago might I have given in to the woeful pain!

But not for thee-the honor and your consort's pleasure,
My want for love, I could ne'er even fathom measure;
I am obliged, e'er humbly, to thee and all this affords-
Nary could I requite for all your amity, to me, rewards!

Maurice Harris,31 October 2009