Death Denied

My lover's head asleep does rest
upon sweet cloud this ivory breast
his warmth of breath I no longer feel
I hear his heart it beats so still.

My tears anoint those lips I kissed
he lays with me he is not missed
strange is warm but he grows cold
I bring him close within this hold.

My prince does sleep I see his smile
such joy I give for such short while
my soul does mourn it has not cried
for he dreams long dreams he has not died.

revised 2017