The Poetry Corner

Love's Exchange

By Richard Le Gallienne

Simple am I, I care no whit For pelf or place, It is enough for me to sit And watch Dulcinea's face; To mark the lights and shadows flit Across the silver moon of it. I have no other merchandise, No stocks or shares, No other gold but just what lies In those deep eyes of hers; And, sure, if all the world were wise, It too would bank within her eyes. I buy up all her smiles all day With all my love, And sell them back, cost-price, or, say, A kiss or two above; It is a speculation fine, The profit must be always mine. The world has many things, 'tis true, To fill its time, Far more important things to do Than making love and rhyme; Yet, if it asked me to advise, I'd say - buy up Dulcinea's eyes!