Love’s fallen brother, not as kind,
though slick of tongue, invasive mind,
You burn to ashes all our trust.

Deceptive pleasure brings disgust –
Coarse strokes of passion unrefined
To which I turn, my soul resigned
To seize the day before it’s dust.

This carnal knowledge, Adam’s prize,
Is but a barren, bitter fruit
And though I seem sincere in suit,
You see the longing in my eyes.

God grant me grace to know your need –
Become one flesh, not merely feed.

[- written 2006; revised 2016]