Rebuttal

REBUTTAL

You say I know not love and this may well be true;
I cannot comprehend the love that is shared by only two.
I have not known the hunger for a lover’s one embrace,
But I’ve held the hand of a dying friend and ached to take her place.

I’ve never desired passion’s kiss (such love does seldom last)
But I have kissed a friend farewell when we knew it was our last.
I have never known the ancient fire that burns in lover’s veins-
But I have pledged both soul and heart that the race of Man shall remain.

You say I know not love and this may well be true,
Yet I have pledged a child to earth and must pay the debt when due.
Your words of accusation confuse and injure me;
You say I know not love and I admit this may well be…

Yet still I do not understand, am confused at your rebuff –
To give a life and a child to Earth-
was that not love enough?