When first the flame, a wayward glance Is met in kind, as if by chance A timer starts, till fervor tame A wayward glance, when first the flame The path to love, a thorny briar How oft it ends an ashen pyre Infatuation’s taloned dove A thorny briar, the path to love As fever quells, two captives smile When both acquitted passion’s trial Now free to thrive where reason dwells Two captives smile as fever quells The tempered heart, love’s cooling balm A mooring true as tempests calm Devotion blooms with frenzy’s part Love’s cooling balm, the tempered heart 12 Jun 2020 - Swap Quatrain