Alice O. Howell
For Andrew Marvell from his coy mistress
Agape, philia, eros
take thy choice
I can but answer
with one voice
a cry!
a cry of trident pain
warneth me
ne'er to love again!
Spirit's love
give me sweet rest
the kiss of friendship
might be best
but, o, thy fingers
at my breast
the length of me
just now caressed!
agape, philia, eros
take thy choice
I can but answer
with one voice
but one more kiss
of triune deep
and all my love
be thine to keep!
a.o.howell