sonnet 174 of 235 to my muse...


Sonnet 19/08/04                         CMXXVI

What is the price that hope demands heart pay
To make dreams real, and think of holding muse?
What can I give that could my feelings say
To the sweet one whose happiness I choose?
What is the cost of my desire to please
One far beyond my reach? Have I the means
To offer any part of what verse frees
From what I try to hold of vision's scenes?
What is the worth of longing, when life keeps
All pleasure in my dreams, and all dreams hold
To share with heart only when reason sleeps?
How might I some of hope for love enfold?
Yet, she has given cause for all my verse:
I know not if love is blessing, or curse.