What are you? He cried aloud
She stared back at him blankly.
With cold eyes she held him firm
Then smiled at him gently.

Art thou elf, or fey, or imp,
Why can’t I speak around thee?
Canst thou see into my chest,
And dost thou hear my heartbeat?

Other men thou hast ensnared
Who wandered near thy shadows.
Some there were of lowly birth,
And knights, and lords, and outlaws.

Yet they could not what I can, Love,
They could not satisfy thee.
Tho I cannot what they could, Love,
Awake to lay besides thee.

They professed to you their love,
Their senses fast departing.
So you’ll not know when I depart,
Until you miss my heartbeat.

***

What am I? The girl laughed
Is it with love you’ve chained me?
Your eyes are warm, your sword is firm
Has a gentleman restrained me?

Art thou true, and is your love
Uniquely born within thee?
Or do you just desire my heart
While fleeing from my heartbeat.

Other souls hast thou ensnared
With wit and charm abounding.
They of meek or noble birth
Your numbers are astounding.

Yet they cannot what I can, Love
They do not understand thee
Yet I cannot what they can, Love
And love you thus openly.

So I’ll profess to you my love
And hide it deep within me
I’ll hold my tears when you depart
Content to know your heartbeat.