Forge

I wrote this sonnet for my daughter Lydia's wedding.

Forge

The love of youth is like a burning flame
which, if unleashed into a blacksmith's forge,
could make cold iron with white hot purpose gleam;
no cold wind nor harsh words its heat assuage.

The love which wraps itself in common bonds
of friendship, care - unwavering in time -
grows stronger still when vernal longing ends
and glows with inner strength and joy sublime

But if each heart wants only what it wants
and cares but for its own needs and desires
then love will slowly cool as lust departs
extinguishing those faint remembered fires

When love is new its flames blaze readily
But tender care will forge sweet unity

Tim Fellows 2018