I'Ve Played At Love Poem by Jonathan ROBIN

As a general rule, the number in the title refers to the chronological order of the first version unless the poem was omitted from the original list and rediscovered. Revised versions retain the initial number. Kindly request permission before posting elsewhere. See below for initial versiond including alternative title Numb Errs. Acrostic sonnets.

I've played at love before, as careless lover,
Viewed prospects varied with a distant eye.
Enchantment with enchantment would supply
Part-time employment, feelings undercover.
Love's osmosis, I dared not discover,
As empathy gives depth few care to try.
Yet should now lightning strike, my quest's reply,
Enlightenment which lets the soul recover
Delight to light the will to live, not hover,
At sea with self defied, I’d not deny
The tenderness One might personify.
Laughter shared may heaven on earth uncover.
Others would seem sad ghosts, drift drab or worse,
Versifying here I wait, rehearse.

I've played at love before, as careless lover
Viewed prospects varied with a distant eye.
Enchantment with enchantment did supply
Part-time employment, feelings undercover.
Love's osmosis, I dared not discover,
As empathy gives depth few care to try.
Yet has your lightening struck, my quest's reply,
Enlightenment which lets my soul recover
Delight to light the will to live, not hover
At sea with self defied, who did deny
The tenderness that you personify!
Laughter shared can heaven on earth uncover.
Others appear as ghosts, both grey and rotten
VEstal she who'll never be forgotten!

(16 September 2001)