Courting Caithleen

(These were actually written for ‘3rd x lucky,’ but typographically they did not come out the way I hoped, hence this version.)

Clear eyes that speak of happiness and light
And sweetly smile upon the world, and show
In their calm vision all I need to know
To be contented in a face so bright.

Hard light diffused, the raging world gone mute,
Lean years forgotten in a brilliant spring:
Each new day’s warmer and the blackbirds sing
Extolling joy, life’s winter to refute.

Now if you’d smile on me, my barren heart
And tired eyes would brighten with your shine,
Your heart my beacon and your gaze a sign -
Essential to my world, you’re Cupid’s dart,

Replete with love, my fate, my inner shrine,
Seductress, saint - the one true dream of mine.

(And, for good measure, Caithleen’s reply)

Oh Midlands boy, I like your verse full well
Provided that it is the truth you tell -
If not it is one giant step to hell.

If what you say is true I’d like to see
You in a middle place that’s safe to me
So we may find out if perhaps there’ll be

Some future for us here? You will know who
Has made this verse and sent it out to you;
Do not react unless your tongue is true.