…I love another more than I love myself

“I am also the greatest fool
for I love another more than I love myself
I taught my beloved how to bind me to herself
and now no-one can set me free”

So sayeth Merlin to Sir Gawain — So sayeth I

I love another more than I love myself
I taught my beloved how to set my heart afire
and now he burns in my soul
so life will hold no joy and no warmth without him

I taught my beloved how to catch my eye
and now he holds my gaze
so I will see nothing of substance without him

I taught my beloved how to wound me deeply
and now he is my only relief
so there will be nothing but pain without him

I taught my beloved how to bring forth the laughter
and now he brings me joy
so I have only my tears without him

I taught my beloved how to fill my imagination
and now he shapes my dreams
so my nights are black and unforgiving without him

I taught my beloved how to hold my heart
and now he makes it dance
so there will be no music without him

I taught my beloved how to paint the colours
and now he fills in the shadows
so life would be grey and without distinction without him

I taught my beloved how to brighten my existence
and now he controls the light
so there can be no sunshine without him

I taught my beloved how to set my sprits soaring
and now he has me floating
so I would be grounded and bereft without him

I taught my beloved how to touch me
and now he can bring me to tears
so I can feel nothing without him

I taught my beloved how to take my breath away
and now he is holding my soul
so I would be nothing, and nowhere without him

“I am also the greatest fool
for I love another more than I love myself
I taught my beloved how to bind me to herself
and now no-one can set me free”

So sayeth Merlin to Sir Gawain — So sayeth I

© Ann Bagnall