My Lily Villanelle

♦ Sadie Barandes ♦

Shall we love as lilies do?

Clandestine as the singing swan?

I long to give my life to you.

I could bring you something new,

In some fair meadow, drenched in dawn.

Shall we love as lilies do?

As gently as the morning dew,

Your light caress lasts on and on.

I long to give my life to you.

Love me not or love me true,

Intertwined until you're gone.

Shall we love as lilies do?

I see it now, I see it through,

Yet still surrendered to your con,

I long to give my life to you.

I see it now, you know I do—

Her hazel gaze from your front lawn.

Shall we love as lilies do?

I long to give my life to you.