I loved you - Version four

What though I loved you as I used to do,
With love still not quite faded from my soul -
Don't let it further cause distress to you:
To grieve you in no way could be my goal.

I loved you silently, with hope at bay,
As modesty then jealousy would move
My hurt, as truly and as tenderly
As God may grant one know another's love.

Existence

We strive to capture the sublime,
When compromise would better be.
Our efforts are constrained by time,
Perfection begs eternity.

For day will follow day that fades
And night will claim its primacy,
While cycles will define our days,
Assured of their supremacy.

Dedication, written on a child's present of a book

Dear ...

For stories to delight you and amaze
And, sometimes, put your noggin in a daze,
We recommend this writer, Roald Dahl
Who'll take you on a journey, as your pal,
And nightly send you happily to sleep
With tales of how to make the grown-ups weep!

The lady and her dog

Two lovely ladies
Of the Texan South -
The caring mistress
And her pampered pet -
At home in Houston,
Haunt of Southern charm,
Are always in our hearts,
Though they be far away.

The painted present

It came with Mummy on the plane,
For Dana and for Gordon twain -

A gift from Ellie, all in blue
And white - and wonderful to view!

So vibrant in its movement on
The page, it celebrates the dawn

Of talent to a high degree,
Which soon the World, as well, will see,

And wonder where the deep well lies
That so inspires such youthful eyes.

Aspects of love

Tell me that you love me - I will obey
The promptings and the dictates of your heart.

Tell me you are saddened - I will replay
The melodies that raise your spirits high.

Tell me you are happy - Then will I say
How glad I am to be your source of joy.

Tell me not, though, that I may not love you -
For that alone is what I cannot do.