To Bend But Not To Bow Poem by Tony Jolley

If he were here, I’d tell him that I’ve loved you from the start.
If he were here, I’d tell him that to each we gave our heart.
If he were here, I’d tell him of the fool who thought to part.
If he were here, I’d tell him we will no more be apart.

If he were here, I’d tell him of the forgiveness that we shared.
If he were here, I’d tell him in our absence, how we fared.
If he were here, I’d tell him of our souls and spirits bared.
If he were here, I’d tell him how for each, we’ve always cared.

If he were here, I’d tell him both came looking just for ‘we’.
If he were here, I’d tell him that your eye-fire burns for me.
If he were here, I’d tell him to touch our love and see.
If he were here, I’d tell him how we learned, at last, to be.

If he were here, I’d tell him I will love and honour you.
If he were here, I’d tell him of our Neruda goblet too.
If he were here, I’d tell him of my delight in all you do.
If he were here, I’d tell him by my life, my love is true.

If he were here, he’d tell us what matters is the ‘now’.
If he were here, he’d tell us to love while time allows.
If he were here, he’d tell us to let our spirit show us how.
If he were here, he’d tell us to bend but not to bow.