Cherish

When I was young and gentle dreams did weave
there came to me a spark of fire-you!-
through my impregnable sieve
of those to like, to love, adore
for ne'er a stranger stranger's face who bore.

My love for you has doubled, tripled since
it's avenues of escape you have shut out
forgave me most of my unbidden sins
left me to do my penance for the rest
and held me weeping to your tender breast.

If gods should choose to let us stay awhile
and let me ponder on their mysteries great
I'll have the time to cherish your last smile
and seeing them make this wish for certainty
I want you for my own for eternity.