Variation on a Theme of Bondage

I TAKE YOU AS THE LION TAKES ITS MATE
IN DEEP OF NIGHT OR HEAT OF SUMMER DAY.

I am your lioness who lays in wait
With estrous scent by which the heavens play.

I OFTEN WONDER HOW YOU BEAR THE WEIGHT
OF ME, THE SELFISH TAKING UNTO ME.

My lion! Conquer me to contemplate
The earthward fondle of the running sea!

THE BATTERED EARTH! FOR EVERY CRASHING WAVE
OF SPUME, ONE THOUSAND PEBBLES WASHED AWAY!
IF EARTH COULD SPEAK, CONTEMPT THE EARTH WOULD RAVE!

What would you have the sea swept pebble say?
I come as slave? So be it, but as slave
Of nature’s love for union, I would pray.