Reluctant Willingness Poem by Maurice Harris

With a reluctant willingness, I have given
Mine own heart, many times callously riven-
Fragile as it is, I do know its chosen guardian
Hath proven to be its one and true custodian!

Done was this, not with knowledge of what would be,
But only with the wishful rumination of what could be;
Ponderance of same gladdens my heart, to my very soul-
For she is but the only one who hastens my heart's console!

Surely not prime was she, for the import this role has imparted:
To make again, a man, truly, out of one most heavy-hearted,
She, an Empyrean gifting, a miracle, made before mine own eyes-
Making for a perfect love, one I could not hope to disguise!

Though sikerly she must be of this role, very aware,
She too is afeared, lest she leave her heart lain bare!
Bare though-nay, for it be, as mine, sheathed-
As sure am I of this-as our consort, inbreathed!

Be not afraid- for as were you, by God, chosen for me-
I am by Him, entrusted with your guard, forechosen for thee!
I should want for same, as offered: a friend, a partner, a paramour-
I want for naught else, yet you proffer so very much more!

'Be still my fragile heart', an oft-repeated utterance
When thought is of your beauty and your elegance-
Lest you believe I think of you, straying from reality's realm,
Explicate kindly, presence of emotion so real, it doth overwhelm!

Think not of this as 'breaking down a wall', but rather,
Building a bridge, which allows our unity to gather-
In a place, and in a way, of our own choosing,
Our heart's compeer gaining, only solitude we're losing!

Maurice Harris,29 January 2010