Margaret Widdemer

1884-1978 / United States

The Dark Cavalier

I am the Dark Cavalier; I am the Last Lover:
   My arms shall welcome you when other arms are tired;
I stand to wait for you, patient in the darkness,
   Offering forgetfulness of all that you desired.

I ask no merriment, no pretense of gladness,
   I can love heavy lids and lips without their rose;
Though you are sorrowful you will not weary me;
   I will not go from you when all the tired world goes.

I am the Dark Cavalier; I am the Last Lover;
   I promise faithfulness no other lips may keep;
Safe in my bridal place, comforted by darkness,
   You shall lie happily, smiling in your sleep.
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