FORBIDDEN LOVE

You came to me when I despaired

Of another day of life,

When tears of sorrow drowned my heart

In a sea of bitter strife.

You took my hand and led the way

To a safe and sunny shore,

And there you wrapped me in your love

Until I hurt no more.

Since then you've become a part of me,

Much more than guide and friend.

Without you I would cease to be,

Like a novel at its end.

Although your touch is cold as ice,

It burns me to the core

In a raging fire of hidden desire,

Defying self-control.

None must know, I cannot tell

Of our forbidden love,

For we're as different, you and I,

As a moonbeam from a dove.

If they knew, our love they'd scorn

And would fail to understand,

Because they'll never see us

Walking hand in hand.

I'm sometimes needing you so much

My heart will surely break,

But all I have around me

Are people on the make.

And so I make excuses

To quietly slip away,

And travel down the South Coast road

To Bracklesham half way.

I take the familiar turning

Into narrow country lane,

And follow it o'er desolate moor

'Til I'm nearly 'home' again.

When at my destination's end

The tiny church appears,

I wander among the gravestones

Stained with ancient tears.

As I reach that special one

Emotions overflow.

I feel compelled to hide my face,

Can't let such yearning show.

Before I leave, though, I cannot help

But hug it close to me

Because it's borne your name, my love,

Since nineteen-thirty-three!

Seventy-eight years have passed since then

And your body's all but dust,

Yet still you're here beside me now,

In you I place my trust.

So when it's time for me to join you

Beyond the Borderlands,

I'll have no fear, just urgent need

To be safely in your hands.