October 30, 2011 by Betty Hayes Albright
Would it not be
a greater love
to silence keep,
to hide one’s heart
when it is fettered
sneaking past
those greater dreams,
pretending not to see?
.
Would it not be
a greater care
to journey on
in quiet prayer
that none be wounded
by rogue passion,
nor be caught
in love’s untimely heat?
.
(c) 1995, 2012 Betty Hayes Albright
(from the Mayberrie’ series)
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I really like this poem: the contrast between the formal, controlled, carefully chosen words and rhythm and the potentially out-of-control passion which is the subject of the poem is very cleverly achieved. Also, I don’t know if this was meant, but I very much like what I saw as the subtle ambiguity of ‘would it not be a greater care’, which could mean both ‘more caring’, but also ‘more onerous’. Really, really good.
Thanks so much for your nice comment! About that ambiguity, the “more caring” was my emphasis, but you’re right – it was onerous also, as far as what the future would hold… (wistful sadness, but poignant memories…. Stoicism, maybe….)
This is great as goes beyond addressing self-sacrifice and gets to the essence caring and hints and the underlying cares of life carried by those that are true to their sense of true love and true right action.
Beautifully done!
Thank you!!!
Oh Boy, Betty–yes, it no doubt would be. But what would I write about?
I know what you mean, Caddo! The Muse thrives on such knots, it seems.
this beautiful intrigue should echo from the mountain tops, but …