Who cares she said
Just before the conclusion
Of a narrative the burden of which
Was that I care

In table-talk banter I was lamenting
The loss of thou
Stolen I averred by the Puritans
To crush intimate address

To give all discourse even that of lovers
The formality of the signing of a deed
The regulation of a business appointment

And the very voice of the beloved
Punctured the smug clowning
Of him who talks too much too enthusiastically

Never give vent to feelings Dear Reader
Except behind these hidden pages
Concealed like a purloined letter