Love and Hope and Time and Chance

I'm sorry, my dear, that this couldn't rhyme
But I must keep close watch on my words
For hard as it is to keep meter and time
Tis harder still to write the absurd
Because Love and Hope and Time and Chance
Don't promise me a thing
But nevertheless, each asks me to dance
Every time you start to sing

I'm sorry, my dear, for there are words all around
But meanings are harder to conceive
And when my lips purse, and you hear the sound
Tis harder still to believe
Because waiting and baiting and anticipating
Won't guarantee me your hand
While I'm parched of love and dream of sating
This thirst that turns hearts to sand

I'm sorry, my dear, for I cannot speak well
And my tongue forms a knot behind my teeth
And I speak nonetheless, as though under a spell
Words being blades I can't sheath
Because Love and Hope and Time and Chance
Never said they were my friends
But nevertheless, each asks me to dance
And I'll follow them to whatever ends