Dantis Amor (for Lisa)

If Love be good then wherefore does it speak

(no no not speak but verily it sings)

With such sweet sounds to render lovers weak

And purge their minds of base and other things?

If Love be good then wherefore does it see

fit to waylay all thought and deed and sense?

Compelling pilgrims of the mind to flee

from all but Love’s most craven, blind torments.

If Love be good why must it single out

One Name in all to make its subject whole?

And then bestow upon a worthless lout

the rapt attentions of the gentlest soul.

As Plato said: Though Love we must placate

Wine, quail and art need not reciprocate.