Love's Acolyte 


Many have loved you with lips and fingers 
And lain with you till the moon went out; 
Many have brought you lover's gifts! 
And some have left their dreams on your doorstep. 
But I who am youth among your lovers 
Come like an acolyte to worship, 
My thirsting blood restrained by reverence, 
My heart a wordless prayer. 
The candles of desire are lighted, 
I bow my head, afraid before you, 
A mendicant who craves your bounty 
Ashamed of what small gifts she brings. 

Elsa Gidlow (1898 -1986)