Oft Have I Pondered Poem by Maurice Harris

Oft have I pondered upon how I might love, truly;
Might I need to search or might it present itself, duly! ?
This quixotic quest, many surely are they, requisites;
Many times I've fancied her, each time she, exquisite!

Need would I to covet her, more surely, than myself-
She doth need require the contrary, too, of herself!
To gather me, in all ways, must she, and I, her-
For whatsoever may ail me, must she be, the cure!

I need her to be my counsel, she need be my confidant,
My fragile heart's trusted guardian-in this regard, adamant!
A mate, for my soul, need she be; My every waking thought!
This, and so very much more, must be the love I have sought!

Alas, whence found, this treasure I shall guard, with mine own life;
For this be the lady I shall one day felicitously posit, be my wife!

Maurice Harris,2 November 2009