In Search Of Starlit Love* Poem by Terence George Craddock (Spectral Images and Images Of Light)

The dream was a siren, calling from depths
of memory, a lifetime’s sighing was the quest.
The reality was greater than exalted hope
ever aspired to. In time of youth, alone
was I denied soul’s companion, whose shadow
not even could I see. Though in all things
all places did feel I her love for me.

Pain of aloneness
all the more I felt in want
of finding her, for
impenetrable were mists cast
in bonds, of time
distance which lay between us.

First there was
an entire world.
Multitudes of women
in many worlds.
Millions billions
without number.

Sifting sands
in searching circles
the billions.
Became millions
but still found
not the one.

To the ends
of the earth I would go
without sustaining hope
on heart’s journey.

And then.
To be found there.
One.

Like countless lifetimes
spent I looking for thee.
Coming to you was like
climbing. To the sun.

Your soul has walked
with me in belief best
in all worrying ways.
Alone I was bereaved lost.

Never sought I to win
a maiden’s heart
with honeyed words,
unless I could
gild them
in some measure,
with a cloak
of true love
edged with purity,
of the finest
my soul
could muster.

For never will I defile
that tenderest of hearts.
With empty hallow hailings
in guise of sweet speech.

May true love’s fair guardian
pour bubbling acid
into my mouth to devour
loathsome flesh.

If steeped in
deceitful betrayal...

Of what worth
is token offering
when only
the most righteous
could honour you?