If this elixir
is the balm that, so gentle
and quiet, wouldst calm

my mind and my heart
nay, even my very soul,
my sweet love, for thee.

So gently shalt it
ease thy pain, as though a rain,
so soft, hath fallen.

This, of pure flavour,
shall not offer thee regret
and shall give but none

to thine heart; so warm
yet daunting as an angel’s.
Forget not, my love,

this cruel earth also
playeth host to elements
which may heal even–

in right proportions–
the loneliness, and longing,
we two have suffered.