Say It Again

• Rosaleen Cooney, Grade 12
• Poetry
• 2013

Say it again, not in a glance or a deed
But in a word. Say, "I love you dear.":
O how those sweet syllables meet my need!
Say it again and keep your fondness near
Do not conceal the warm words, just proceed
With your heart's speech - make your love for me clear.
Speak the words if you will, tell me you may
Set the phrase free, for it speaks to my soul
And shines with a lover's adorning ray
Of fulfilling praise - Release the words whole
My love, make it heard before you decay
For your voice fades with time's ageing toll
And the words are absent - Death's near prey.