My Reply

                   "My Reply"


You asked,"What did you see in me?"
"Dear Friend, I saw in you what you refused to see
                   in yourself.
         Your unspoken courage during a time of war and uncertainties.
         Youthful lifetime fears set aside on a wobbly shelf.

All the while:
         a spark...in the embers, hiding,
                   waiting,
                   afraid your heart's fire
                   will find its glow in a romantic desire.

         voracious hunger...wrapped in wonder
                   that you would
                   if only you could
                   nourish your soul, and in turn
                   feed the need in those who seek you.

         universal knowledge...anxious to share the wealth of it.
                   But, you shut me out and kept us apart,
                   your words tucked close to your heart,
                   lest I misunderstood your cosmic spirit.

         heaven's treasure...gems for your eyes, hidden
                   behind long lashes and tears,
                   forbidden
                   to shine, should anyone notice your fears.

         a love...too timid to loosen,
                   and jeopardize losing."

You responded, "But, I did love you."
I replied, "Old man, you still do,"