SO MUCH IN LOVE, SO LESS IN LOVE

1.

SO MUCH IN LOVE:

So much in love was I, at one time,

that no cloud dared claim it’s birthright to hover above,

no stone ever turned upward to obstruct my journey

and angels large and small blushed from the path I took.

So much in love was I, at one time,

that, though with few coins to line my pockets, my heart had

crowned me a rightful prince and the streets of the kingdom

displayed the colors of grand and noble intentions.

So much in love was I, at one time,

that I rendered my very soul to this maiden fair:

who graciously accepted it as a down-payment,

and then withdrew her affections to her chamber

until a time when my pockets would become laden.

So much in love was I, at one time,

that I lay waste to my poetic spirit, and cast

aside canvas and pen, embracing the worldly prize

of certainty and outcome, of copper and silver,

until a time when her heart was softened by gold’s warmth.

So much in love was I, at one time,

that I allowed my passion to become a whore’s heart

and, knowing that my true love was bartered at best, found

little of joy, comfort or pride in these towered walls.

2.

SO LESS IN LOVE:

So less in love was I, at one time,

that I offered over castle and kingdom, treasures

to some, burdens to others, in order to regain

the true gifts that my soul had so willingly banished,

and asking nothing of note, not even the tarnished crown,

except the one thing she valued the least of all, my heart.

This heart, damaged but still hopeful, was returned to me,

and with it came back the spirit, the muse and the voice.