Thy love I am. Thy wife I cannot be,
To wear the yoke of servitude – to take
Strange, unknown fetters that I cannot break
On soul and flesh that should be mine, and free.
Better the woman’s old disgrace for me
Than this old sin – this deep and dire mistake;
Better for truth and honour and thy sake –
For the pure faith I give and take from thee.
I know thy love, and love thee all I can –
I fain would love thee only till I die;
But I may some day love a better man,
And thou may’st find a fitter mate than I;
Some want, some chill, may steal ‘twixt heart and heart.
And then we must be free to kiss and part.
(Ada Cambridge)
More Poetry from Ada Cambridge:
Ada Cambridge Poems based on Topics: Love, Soul, Man, Woman, Error & Mistake- After our Likeness. (Ada Cambridge Poems)
- A Promise (Ada Cambridge Poems)
- An Old Maid's Lament (Ada Cambridge Poems)
- A Lesson (Ada Cambridge Poems)
- A Street Riot (Ada Cambridge Poems)
- The Legend Of Lady Gertrude (Ada Cambridge Poems)