All the better for her

All the better for her

I loved-
but I couldn't-
she wouldn't-
and all I can do
is wait
to see

if she will realize it
before I fade
and her curls go limp.

Her face
is already pale, but
she is a romantic
to the core.  She
will not accept
a tired lion, even

if he knows Tennyson's beauties
Blake's marriage, Keats'
tenderness, or even
Whitman's nature.

If it cannot be passion
and death for love's sake
(but, dearest, isn't to live
for love better?)
then do not bother
her.

(she has already had
her fill of mediocre
lovers - cheap wine
and tired flowers)