The heart
	Is a tough
	Old muscle.
	It doesn't
	Give up its
	Youthful dreams
	Easily, despite
	The relentless
	Hammering
	Of Reality.
	No, the heart
	Still dreams
	Of the silken
	Touch of Love,
	Of lips
	Soft and warm,
	Sweet-smelling,
	Smiling, serene.
	Sure, Love
	Is also tough--
	But a heart
	Needs its dreams
	And aches
	Incessantly,
	When it cannot
	Have them.

	12/30/83
	Rocky Mount, VA