For women who are tempted to make do

Tell him you've been loved

Deeply and sincerely

That you have had the full loaf of affection

Hot, fresh

Straight from the oven

Tell him you will not scamper for crumbs

Falling off the stingy mouth of a stranger

For Love 

He drags a one-eyed bull to your altar

And tells you to manage

For affection

He offers an ear of shrivelled corn

And says "Well, this is all I have to give"

Tell him

That you are not the household pet

That rejoices at its master's leftover 

Tell him

That you have stood side by side

with the image of the real thing

And you will not grovel

For a mere shadow

Tell him 

That you are not teething at the concept of love

Tell him you're no learner 

That vigils have been kept

Flights have been missed

All for the luxury of your company