The Poetry Corner

Somebody's.

By John Hartley

Oh, isn't it nice to be somebody's? - Somebody's darling and pet, To be shrined in the heart of a dear one, Whose absence fills soul with regret? To be dreamed of, and longed for, and courted, As the Queen whom his heart holds in thrall, - As the one - the great one, priceless jewel, That outweighs and outvalues them all? Oh, - I'd rather my head should be resting, On the breast of the man that I love; And my hand in his strong grasp be nestling, And bask in the light of his love: - I would rather, - far rather, my darling Should be loving, and faithful, and brave, Than be titled, and wealthy, and fickle; - E'en though poverty held him a slave. Oh, my heart yearns for one that is noble, - In mind, not in riches or birth, Who would love me, and value my love too, Then my lot would be heaven on earth. But where, alas, where shall I find him? This man, that my heart longs for so? This idol I picture and dream of, - Does he live? I'm inclined to say, no. He is merely a fanciful hero, That my heart has pictured so fair: I must stoop from my realm of wild fancy, And take what may fall to my share. Some plain, honest, working mechanic, May be the prize I may call mine, But if shaped like a man he'll be better, Nor be left lonely, without Valentine.