Love Leaves Death Behind

A sonnet of a man questing for his lover's hand in marriage.

Longing for the feel of fallow nesh cheeks
that turn silver in the plenilune’s light
Enfurled in a fair fragrance he seeks
to keep forever this beautiful sight

and forever treasure his darling dear.
To kiss frosted ebon lips so tender
and of consequences naught would he fear
and wanting to hold her frame so slender.

But the father withdraws his daughter’s hand
forcing him to go on a parlous task
to prove himself most worthy in the land.
If he returns in glory he will bask.

And was most lief to endure ruth and bale
and wrack to stroke tender cheeks fair and pale.