"To earn but a kiss,"

"To earn but a kiss,"
      A man hurt portends,
"Will such fools endeavor -
      "Though all love will end.

"They chase and they challenge
      "For a love that's eternal.
"But love leaves them weeping,
      "For love is infernal."

Though if I should meet him -
      True love he decries -
My smile will not greet him,
      But truth will advise:

That love is as open
      As two hearts accept.
His gloom be the cause
      What love can't be kept.

As Forgiveness and Faith
      Are love's truest friends,
'Tis Worry and Doubt
      That lead to its end.

So if I should see thee,
      Will I love thee throughout.
For a short love is better
      Than a life lived without.
                                - end -

        - March 3, 2006