O tender maid
With eyes that glisten like jade
Your beauty if it lacks the fire
To drive me mad with sweet desire
Of what use is it if it fades?

Seek not my spirit if it hides
Here am I, here will I abide
They called me theirs
Who knew not me
They poured hot tears

Who claimed to love
I drank at their fountain
False water of thirst
But the good lord my soul did raise
I dare not die again

That you're fair or wise is vain
If your beauty will not don the garment of love
Then I shan't give myself to hurt
For beauty without love is dead
And that which is dead will ever be naked

© Olumide Adeoso, May 2003