Do not thy Beauty scorn

One of a baker's dozen of poems I am writing based on the INSPIRATIONS April 2009 prompts. I recommend you read the original George Darley poem first to better understand the response (and because it is a great poem). In case it isn't clear, my response is meant to be a bit tongue-in-cheek.


Do not thy Beauty scorn, a response poem to "It is not Beauty I demand"  by George Darley in 1828

I understand your preference
  For sympathy and loyal heart
And hope that you take no offence
  When I assert our ways do part.

Though kindly heart I hold most dear,
  I hold it closest, love it best,
When it beats fast in chemise sheer
  And hid beneath a shapely breast.

Vain mermaid’s yellow pride is least
  True proof of loyalty and trust.
But lovely tresses oft’ released
  Are pleasing o’er an ample bust.

‘Tis true that gentle words can come
  From lips both pale and thinned by time
But words less fair make me succumb
  When dropped from ruby lips sublime.

Much softer than a summer breeze
  That golden meadow cleft in twain;
Such shadows shimmer, made to please.
  Temptations, may your heart disdain.

Just gauds, you say, of no import
  Dismissing eyes with ardor filled
Ye gods, I say, in quick retort
  Such smold’ring eyes my passion thrilled.

Your earthly comfort shared your fate
  And gently laid her loyal head.
My comfort lies ‘fore Heaven’s Gate
  Her lively beauty shares my bed.