Sonnet XXXIX
Do not be angry that I am a woman
And so have lips that want your kiss, and breasts
That want your fingers on them; being human
I need a heart on which my heart can rest;
Do not be angry that I cry your name
At the harsh night, or wear the darkness through
With blind arm groping for you in a dream;
I was made flesh for this, and so were you.
Quarrel with God if you like, but not with me,
That hands beat impotently for three years
Against an iron door, could still caress
The naked body of love with ecstasy,
And might have ways to teach you tenderness.
More than you have learned from all your prayers
“Begin again, must I begin again
Who have begun so many loves in fire
And ended them in dirty ash? Despair
Of treating you better than other men
Would take the taste of love out of my mouth
Before I had spoken half the lying word
I would have loved you once if I had dared
And made a song of it. I’ll save my breath
And save your peace, God love you! But for me,
I’ll measure my affection by the drachm
As men weigh poisons. Honoured sir, I am
Somewhat your friend, as far as courtesy.
Requires, your servant; not at all your slave.
I love you far too well to give you love.”
A Naked Tree: Love Sonnets
