If Only, My Dear, If Only... Poem by Denis Martindale

If only, my dear, if only, yet I'm no millionaire
And without you I'm so lonely and fading with despair...
But if such riches to possess, what precious gifts I'd bear,
Perchance to grant you happiness... in answer to my prayer...

This cold world's not seen fit to show one morsel or one feast,
Nor cared if I should come or go, as if I've never pleased...
Yet you please me with twinkling eyes and laughter fit to burst
And like red wine that tastes so nice, for you alone I thirst...

Yet tender words don't buy a ring to grace your finger close,
Nor was this poor man born a king, to kneel down and propose...
And so I humbly stand aside, let other suitors kneel,
To fashion you into a bride, while I, crushed feelings, feel...

But if none come, what then, my dear? No husband's love at all,
No soft caressing of your hair, no newborn miracle...
No tender looks at break of dawn, no kisses late at night,
Just loneliness, like me to mourn, no love to make things right...

If only, my dear, if only, yet I'm no millionaire
And without you I'm so lonely and fading with despair...
But if such riches to possess, what precious gifts I'd bear,
Perchance to grant you happiness... in answer to my prayer...


Denis Martindale September 2016.