Love Near, Yet Far Away

The moon, a sliver, hides behind the lace Of clouds,
a shadow on my yearning face.
I trace your phantom, on the bedroom wall,
A memory's echo, answering my call.

No gilded cage, nor whispered, legal vow,
Can hold the beauty that you freely allow.
A kindness blooming, in your gentle eyes,
A secret garden, where my spirit lies.

The world perceives a different, distant grace,
A guarded smile, a carefully held space.
But I have seen the fire, deeply true,
The soul unveiled, that only I see you.

Each stolen moment, a forbidden art,
A whispered promise, held within my heart.
The fear, a constant, sharp and bitter sting,
Yet sweeter still, the joy your presence bring.

I yearn for whispers, in the midnight's hush,
The velvet softness, of your tender blush.
To hold you close, and banish every fear,
My secret haven, ever held so dear.

And though the dawn, will force us far apart,
Your gentle spirit, anchors in my heart.
A whispered prayer, beneath the fading stars,
For strength to wait, beyond these hidden bars.