“Accept” he wished with all his heart
But could the word suffice?
I’m just a man like other men
And seek the life that’s nice
To follow bliss and bask in joy
And play and waste my time
Without a care, without a thought
Without a reasoned rhyme
“Acknowledge” was her sharp reply
And wrapped them both in verse
Wondering and questioning
To ferret out his truths
How can you wander here and there
And leave me to our home?
When play and bliss and joy and fun
Are things for which I long
It’s great you seek a freer life
It’s swell, it’s neat, it’s grand
You’ve gone away, you’ve let me down
Now all alone I stand
Come with me Love, he beckoned
And he nibbled on her ear
He stroked her hair and held her close
And wiped away her tears
The waters warm, the sun is bright
The air is crisp and pure
The future offers light and hope
And freedom from our fear
How can I? was her mournful plea
When I’m away as well
My heart sought freedom from my life
And left me to my toil
What beats inside is longing
Like a passel of caged doves
It’s constant cadence memories of who perhaps I was
I once was young, I once was loved
I once dreamt dreams so big
But now I only ask myself for reasons left to live
You’re caring and you’re loving
And you’re smart and smell of spring
You’ve walked with me and watched me grow
You’re pretty and you’re sweet
Your poise and grace and elegance
Capacity for pain
Make me who I want to be
A man who’s worth your praise
A man both wise and caring
And a man who has a voice
A man who’s chosen you to love
While on his path of choice
I’m happy that you’re free to play
And happy for your voice
In you I’m proud and strong and young
And troubles I can face
But where you go I cannot come
You’ve made that all too clear
For all your talk of beck and call
I fear you just don’t care
My Darling Dear I’ll stay with you
Together we’ll grow old
But come with me and we’ll set sail
For whereabouts unknown
We’ll travel and we’ll wander
And we’ll finely drink and dine
We’ll marvel in the scenery
Seek roads to the sublime
But you seek paths away from me
You plan for your escape
You’ll try to lose me in the woods
Left there in some dark place
I’m frightened and I’m wary
And I don’t trust your embrace
You’ll wander far away from me
While I still seek my pace
Just go away, live free, be young
Find your precious dream
But all your talk of travelling
It makes me want to scream
I would go and not return
If ever there was doubt
Of you and I and Us and love
And freedoms we both want
For you are you and I am I
And we are two made one
Together we can take the world
And surely have some fun
I like you and I love you
And I know you feel the same
We’ll frolic in the sunshine
And we’ll tiptoe through the rain
Your words are dear and charming
And they fill my soul with want
But how can I come with you
When I’m not what you could want?
I’ve feet of clay that’d slow you
On your journey into dream
My shoes are old and shabby
And my clothes frayed at their seams
I’ll make you fine new clothing
And I’ll cobble through the night
I want you more than precious life
I’ll bathe your feet in wine
I’ll scrape them and I’ll scrub them
And I’ll peel away the clay
So you can jump and skip and fly
Together we’ll away
Why ask this thing to travel thus
Of what joy could I be?
What pleasure in a companion
Who looks and sounds like me?
You’re brave and strong and confident
You’re sure and keen and good
I spent a lifetime grooming you
Go live your life and love
You’re beautiful
You’re quick and sharp
With voice of dulcet tones
I’m frightened and I’m wary
And I cannot run alone
Your gentle ministrations
And your calming graceful air
Have made me someone special
Made me someone who may dare
To follow bliss and bask in joy
And play and waste my time
But without you the joy is gone
The hope dead on the vine
Come play with me
Come dance and sing
Be ever at my side
My strength and core and love of life
Forever we’re entwined