Sonnet 23/12/73                        XI

                O beautiful Suzanne, your opal charm,
                Your eyes, your face within its raven frame,
                Have powers unknowing, my heart to harm
                Accidentally, by gentle words the same.
                Could I but give my soul to you from me,
                It would be only to return to you
                What always has been, and ever will be,
                The possession of which is but your due.
                Around you center my thoughts of love and joy,
                Your presence alone that brings to me some hope;
                Gift of, to me, a smile, demure and coy,
                Enhances life, extending out its scope.
                To you, because of this, I only ask,
                Treat me kindly, if with me falls your task.