If words, like wind, could wind your hair,
If rhyme round rhyme could bind you there;
If speech could reach to hold you tight,
And sense of song your soul ignite,
My passion’s pen might prove to you
How deep inside I’m burning too.

If words were like a wild embrace
Past meter’s choice of joyous chase;
If stanzas closed like strong high tide
And clasped you close against my side;
If all my rhythms rhythmed true
Till my love’s song made song in you,
Then, then I’d know my poetry
Was teaching you love’s mastery!

Oh, let me live to reach that day
When all my words are in your pay,
And you say back, with echo true,
“I do, my love, I do love you.”