Because I Love You

Love is nature, a mistress cruel and unjust

She drives all things, builds and breaks trust

Many lovers use her name in vain

And through her power, just a few are untamed

Because I love you, cut out your heart

Give it to me, and I may not depart

Do you not trust me, she said with retort

Then take this back, it's all torn apart

Vulnerable trepidation stains only my past

And perturbation has come to pass

I wanted seductive stares and playful laughs

I sought a beautiful girl with eyes of amber glass

Eons passed with no sensation upon my lips

Eons passed as I reached for the will-o'-wisps

Then one day I spotted a lone gazelle 

She had light-brown eyes and I was under their spell 

Approaching wearily, I tried to go slow

But famished as I was, with rapidity I would forego

I tromped noisily through the wood and leaves

The gazelle looked, but did not depart from me

At last, I had a second chance

For the gazelle did not take a fighting stance

She looked at me with her amber glass eyes

She showed me care in the midnight skies

Cascading curls masked an angelic face

A vineyard of mahogany, and woven chestnut lace

She took me in, and again made me whole

She said, Because I love you, I give you my soul.