The Vagabond

         The Vagabond

I had no need of riches or fame,
A vagabond upon the rails of life,
It mattered not the face or name;
I danced to the tune of another fife.

The cumbersome rites of society,
I disdained as rules of the proud,
Set forth to cause me anxiety,
And force my head to be bowed.

But then I met a lovely lass,
Her charm had led me astray;
I thought my longing would pass,
But I knew it was here to stay.

I cursed this weakness of mine,
She seemed to wield it with ease,
My addiction was like aged wine,
But I feared she was only a tease.

I was caught in her death-like grip,
Stationary, I was powerless to let go,
Imprisoned by a kiss from her lips,
Mired in the radiance of her glow.

I had no need of love and kisses,
A vagabond not wanting to be wooed,
I was not one who reminisces,
My freedom I would not preclude.

This sad tale happened long ago,
When youth flooded through my veins;
And now that I have aged, I know,
Had I loved I wouldn’t have the pain.

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Words required to be used by "Para/Poem Challenge "Open""  in this poem:
         Longing...Astray...Stationary...Cumbersome...Preclude...Wield{/c