affection

I harboured an ambition to construct an impregnable redoubt,

where I'd shout from ramparts about my safety from the prospect

of lost independence in an early marriage -

disparaging the ideal of matrimonial bliss.

This line of development now might seem

like a dreamer's futile fantasy, assailed as I am

with this damned dilemma in seeing that I have to choose

the noose of marriage, or the loss of the one I love.

Slovenly in disarray my forces beat

a retreat, no longer with any heart for battle -

our shattered morale shamefully in evidence, as we meekly

seek to conceal the weapons we once flourished.

Unable to repel the least attack,

I'm coming close to waving the white flag.