Daleen, Poem by Gert Strydom

(after Mark Akenside)

while fate and circumstance do us divide,
it's as if I am blind to destiny's decrees
where through life myriad things it tried
and my heart, soul and spirit you do please
where of my sincere love I want you to tell:
that no other woman does you excel.

Unsullied bright is your cheerful smile
where it comes from your heartfelt mien,
yet you are sharp witted all of the while
and something of the divine in you is seen,
where no other person like you I do know:
your love is selfless and not to what you owe.

Still at your prime you do have beauty's powers,
are at heart sincere and full of youthful cheer
and with you far too swiftly pass the hours,
while your feelings to me remain clear
and lovely you are to my heart and eye,
while in life day after day does pass by.

As lovers to each other we play our part
and to principle true we both do stay,
do daily yearn to be together at heart
but at times we are from each other away,
while beautiful you remain in spite of time:
in your heart love is always at its prime.

[Poet's note: "Amoret" by Mark Akenside.]