This poem explores the struggle between self-denial and the irresistible pull of love.

Every day, I take
The sincere pledge
In her thoughts:
Not to overindulge.

I tell myself
This world is vast,
Then it shrinks
In between her eyes.

I wish not to taste
Even her love-drop,
Then I soon dive
In her heart’s sea.

I have broken many vows,
Violated my own rules.

To escape a single Rose,
I ran into a thousand thorns.

To keep a single oath,
I belied a hundred truths.

I swore to not swear at all,
Loyalty to her: betrayal of all.

March 09 2011. Edit March 2024