A SHOCK A SMILE THEN THIS
You shocked me when we met. Yes, really shocked!
It seemed that callous Fortune smiled on me.
I felt that Heaven had her gates unlocked
And loosed her love in heedless luxury.
Long stoic years of stalest dull depression
Gave way to greener thoughts, no longer bitter.
To do Love’s bidding was life’s greatest lesson,
Which – lesson learned – made your love all the sweeter.
Now you resist! I feel my courage languish.
Love fades, remote, without your body near.
What joy I know now often sinks to anguish
And sure hope falters, overcome by fear.
Yet I may win your love, despite these trials,
And find my fortune reflected in your smile.
R. Neal Peterson
Original 1989.0810 thru 1990.0521
Revised 2009.0113
Revised again 2011.0516