Love conquered—though I fought valiantly
Until my heart could bear no more the pain,
And there I knelt, head bowed on bended knee,
As she clasped round my neck the golden chain;
‘“I am your slave I said, your slave for life.”
“You are,” said she, “for this and that beyond!”
“Show mercy! I have a child and a wife!”
“No more, my dear —  they will not last for long.”
I was well kept—each earthly want indulged,
Though day by day the bonds did heavier grow;
Awash in wine, dark secrets she divulged,
I pined each day for times I used to know;
To my surprise, gold links began to rust—
‘Twas then I knew: this love was naught but lust.

© Loubert S Suddaby. All Rights Reserved.