The tributary virgins
that Athens sent to Crete,
seigneurial deflowerings
as incorrect as fleet,
and sessions on the casting couch
are pretty hard to beat;
but who woke from a dream to find
his lover round him twined?
For Hero and Leander
could hardly manage this,
while Abelard and Eloise
could barely blow a kiss,
and Romeo and Juliet
had one brief night of bliss;
but you and I, my love, with luck
may long henceforward love.
Our parents’ and our previous
relationships suggest
that optimism, carefully
considered might be best;
so put your paw in mine, and let
Dame Fortune do the rest,
as we companionably go
towards the final snow.