1. 

I who have learnt to know you

like the swallow knows its nest,

want to bestow you

love words I owe you

deep from my treasure chest.

2. 

Listen while I enfold you

with the notes from my guitar;

I do not hold you,

nor shall I mould you,

just let me sing from afar.

3. 

Beauty by night or day view,

under sunlight or in rain,

years do not age you,

they just engage you

over and over again.

4. 

Softer than silk on satin,

I have felt your frightened clasp:

tough girl on films that in

you with your fist flatten

most of the men in the cast.

5. 

Tinkle of laughing water

on the hillside tumbling down,

rattles on rocks taught yer

that there is no quarter:

baulked by a boulder, you clown.

6. 

Tenderest salad shoot,

that when nibbled tastes so green:

better than first fruit,

succulence rescued,

medicine good for the spleen.

7. 

Flowers have scented plumbing,

but the savours I like best

are the tastes of your night-coming,

mingled with heart's drumming

here on my naked chest.

8. 

Spirit who streams the colour

in the rainbow arching storms,

please now when this scholar

dances in step, follow,

learning with me to perform.

9. 

Bluffer who plays to win

with your smiling wide-eyed lies,

I'm just some old brass

flaunting your turquoise,

dazzled by each surprise.

10. 

I do not want to pin you -

such a rare-hued butterfly:

long may continue

times that I win you:

here in my garden, reside