The Four Suitors
The first was handsome and direct,
and try he did to please--
with bright bouquets of fragrant gems,
in hopes my heart to seize.
I gathered from his grand approach
that beauty was his charm,
to bloom a bond through gorgeous gifts;
in that, I found no harm.
Alas, his blossoms were corrupt;
my love he never took!
What mattered most to him was how
my presence made him look.
I promptly left his vanity
to seek a love refined,
and highly hoped the next to claim
my hand would better shine.
The second suitor came to me
and promised me his heart,
and with that gesture he assured
that we would never part.
His heart enkindled love in me
and fervent was that fire.
He showered me with earnest heat,
for that was my desire.
Alas, his love grew sweltering;
too much was his embrace!
His rays were most enjoyable,
but left me little space.
I fled from his tenacity
to seek a milder mate,
though quickly did the next arrive
and fall for my estate!
The third was gracious and composed,
so like the first, I thought.
I wondered what concerned him: did
he seek the love I sought?
He greeted me and then revealed
with haste a hazel dress.
I donned the warmly colored gown;
his love he then confessed.
Alas, three months is all it took
for me to hate his leaves!--
those times he swayed into the dusk
to secret love receive.
One night, he stripped me of my gown;
our love diffusely fell.
He left me bare with but despair
to chill my hollow shell.
There came another, clothed in white,
while I was still remote.
He asked if he could comfort me,
then cloaked me with his coat.
Though beautiful, it gave no warmth,
for he himself was cold.
I wondered if he once endured
a love's uncertain hold.
I tightly held his frigid form
and spoke with words sincere:
Our love will one day find a match;
for now, please persevere.
I gently shed his frosty coat
from my rekindled core,
then boldly sauntered towards the first
with hopeful buds restored.
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