Ballad (8)

I dream of arms around my muse,
To hold her in the night.
I cannot thought of her refuse:
To love her would be right.

I fear only I can't refrain
From acting on desire:
I hope always to smile retain,
Yet offer passion's fire.

Muse drives me wild with thought of touch
And visions of my dream.
Dare I hope that she wishes such,
That love in her eyes gleam?

I seek to please my muse, and self,
With pleasures, and concern:
I cannot place dreams upon shelf,
Nor from her beauty turn.

I wish I might live dream, and hold
Muse close, and taste her lips.
Drunk with desire, I would be bold,
And of her soul seek sips.

My words are poor reflections of
The vision that heart sees:
Can page hold her that I would love,
One who heart's desire frees?

                                        8 July 2003