I want to kiss your lips
on this busy sidewalk,
in front of all these folks
and let them balk and talk.

I want to hold your hand,
our fingers interlaced,
walking past shops and stoops
in neither hurry nor haste.

I want to stop all time,
to see you standing there,
our hearts alone meeting,
and be all I can bear.

But it’s a tale for one,
a silly song for me,
longing unrequited,
you see, my love for thee.

If I could bend your will
and change your eyes to see
the very thought that quickens
and dreams only to be,

my heart would soar above
unbound and then unchained,
and free of this tepid role,
to which I am eternally named.

A guarded heart for you
all but for the taking —
a prize you can never know
except in the forsaking.

It’s a tale for one,
a silly song for me,
longing unrequited,
you see, my love for thee.