affection

I was snatching glimmerings of hope that suddenly I might

(despite moderate previous performance) amaze

my fazed family and friends as originator

of great catalytic ideas of genius.

I'd seen all this as essential part of my courtship

comportment - the dance to woo you - the manner in which

I'd clinch our intellectual togetherness -

impressed (as I thought you'd be) at my calibre of mind.

But I find it difficult to contend with the standard set

(unbettered) by your former lover - at a level above

my competence for competition. He exhausted your reserve

for fervent esteem, emasculating rivals.

However could I hope to qualify,

from shadow cast by stature that's so high?