a beauteous woman noticed may be

instantly admired

yet only for as long as she is

distantly desired

a swan upon a glistening pond

is driven into flight

the eager cameramans approach

befouls the bird with fright

insisting on a vintage may

discourage common drinking

its virtues publicly proclaimed

can drown out private thinking

at times we wear with shielded pride

the armor held most dear

but held within the heart these plates

admit the thrusting spear

and when we wish the day would come

we manage to delay it

so i must mock the thing i love

else surely i will slay it

---

-x2A