A Play Within a Heart

Upon a night of mirth and play, so bright,

I stood in garb, fair Romeo by name.

The stage alit with borrowed candlelight,

And in the crowd, she came—my heart to claim.

Her tresses curled like ivy's sweet caress,

A visage fair, as dawn through morning mist.

Her eyes, twin stars, did all my soul possess,

And in that gaze, I knew that I exist.

My lips gave life to Romeo’s soft verse,

Yet 'twas my heart that uttered every line.

She smiled, and twirled her hair—a gentle curse,

That bound my soul to fate’s unspoken sign.

The scene did end, yet still I held her eyes,

As if through bars love’s prisoner did stare.

She saw me thus, and with a sweet surprise,

She stirred the wind and set aloft my air.

I faltered then, ensnared by trembling breath,

But lo, she came—with grace none could pretend.

She reached with hand and raised me from my death,

And thus, our play began where plays oft end.

Then with a voice both trembling and divine,

I spoke: “Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight!

For I ne’er saw true beauty till this night.”

She blushed, her fingers still entwined with mine.

A twinkle danced within her gentle gaze,

And time stood still upon that sacred stage.

If heaven’s feel be such as in her praise,

Then let me dwell there, past life, past all age.