Sonnet 116 of 218 to my muse...


Sonnet 11/12/03                           DCCCLXVI

Tied to my muse with threads of dream that wind
Around my soul and tie desires, I try
To know what would smile win, or caring bind
Into her words: Should I my hopes deny?
She knows her power: She need only say,
And I must try. I want to please, yet know
I cannot be all I might wish, nor stray
Past bounds that leave but verse to my dreams show.
Though she is beautiful, it is not curves
Nor smile, nor even eyes that have heart bound:
Within her I find spirit that deserves
All I might send: I have my true muse found.
How can I keep from loving such a maid?
She gives far more to heart than lines have paid.