Nearly Love

 

(a parting sonnet for Jean)

 

Let`s not call this cosy comfort love,

But only say that once there was a time

When the loneliness and travel-heat of the way

Became too much for us, when it was enough

To leave the world go by us and recline,

I in your deep kindness, you in mine.

 

And though we boast: we never did betray

Cupid with words – being much too wise,

Let`s confess: our arms, our lips, our eyes

Sometimes told untruths in our despite.

But Jean, they were such little, little lies

That he just chuckled, and forgave us…quite.

 

But now, for truths sake, just before we go:

It was not love…but it was nearly so!