One Moment In Time Poem by James McLain

I do hope well, thank you ma am, but I am
not hungry.
I hear talk, well kinda,
it is mostly all about your sister, and what you think I should
do with her, yet please bear in mind
I have spread coals once of her, over wide areas
each spot rekindled, memories, carried in soot on my face
in streaks powdered tears.
I hear you speak through your sister, her look, when at me makes it clearer.
All say it is not a substitution but as is school when the teacher
was away, not what was said but a thought did remain.
I canna marry you, sister, please no prospect towards have I ever intended,
she has gone away, my heart with her to stay.
So far no other love will obey this heart to stay in a hand tenderd love that is true.