A Poem: A Lover's Dream

Beauty and Grace like spring flowers be
in you my love, though not to me
do your eyes turn with heaven's gleam,
for it is another that such faint heart's esteem.

Another indeed, who has many battles won,
and great armies led beneath the cresting sun.
Wealth, fortune, and immortal fame,
all these can affection's object claim.

And yet I too have battles won,
and deeds as great as his have done.
Oft less in fame, in lands grown cold,
among the huddled sick, the weak and old.

Though now I see with God's eye plain
that were all tales told, t'would be in vain.
For true valor's color finds not your thought.
Only the echo of false shadows sought.

And I? I sit with aching head,
as I lie slowly down to bed.
To dream my minds eye didn't see,
all that is, but what should be.

-M