Don't Tell Me Not to Love!

You call me "people pleaser," filled with scorn
as though I shouldn't strive to do his will,

to meet his needs. But I'm his wife and sworn
to serve him, love him, do for him until

 

our lives shall end. You understand the vows
of marriage, binding still, old-fashioned, yes,
but sensible, and wise beyond the hows,
the oughts, the ancient rules. The truth attests.

 

Perhaps I don't know how to love. My shame,
my lack of confidence, my guilt takes hold
and I concede my worth, accept the blame,
your pleasure all my goal, afraid you'll scold.

 

Don't tell me not to love. I wish to learn
respect and that my worth cannot be earned.