Ballad (36)

How might I cheer my muse, and bring
A smile to her sweet lips?
Shall I hope that my words might sing
Vision that her dream sips?

How can I ease concerns, or soothe
The ache of work, or heart?
Can I the roughness of world smooth
Or journeys to joy chart?

I do not know her present needs:
I simply know I care.
How can words that she only reads
Give comfort, or heart share?

Shall I whisper my love, and send
A volume of request?
Or do my pleas annoy, and lend
A sadness to her breast?

I long to wrap her in my arms,
And all of sorrow steal.
Yet, I must fear: Do hopes lend harms
To vision now made real?

She is heart's guide, but might I show
A path, to desires find?
I cannot ask for more, or know
What hopes she keeps in mind.

                                                   17 Dec. 2003