No Condemnation (The Empathy of a Far Away Lover), An Italian Sonnet

Upon one longing, lonely day - so blue,

As I passed by young lovers on the street,

I paused to gaze - to taste their kisses sweet.

Within their shadows I saw me and you,

Our forms entwined as hearts gave rise to do...

And though they seemed to me so indiscreet,

Yet envied I their company complete,

The shameless passion of a love so new.

Because, throughout the days of my absence,

My heart had come to pulse with a dull ache,

I feared lest I of faithfulness relent -

Imbibe the drug of lust and so mistake.

Therefore, I dare not judge the heart that sensed

That distance might its love’s foundations shake.