Love's Sentinel

When first mine eyes did play upon thy face,

'˜Twas far past thy skin did they dare to dart.

And from that bare and vulnerable place,

Thou didst grant me passage into thy heart.

Why now my love dost thou withdraw and hide;

In distant places and permit me not,

To follow deeper, to share and abide,

In sacred dreams, which thou hast hence forgot?

Think me not weak in tests of righteous love.

For know this now, against thy strongest will;

My past doth give me strength to rise above,

To love thee so, now and forever still.

So long as I can look upon thy face,

Ne're shall I want to leave this waiting place.