(for hour 8—condense book prompt)

 

Sweet Jane

 

 

When Jane ran from my grand home, indignant

and penniless

I feared she’d succumb to diseases of her orphan childhood

 

My Sweet Jane

 

Though her brilliant mind and steadfast morals

I would sully

My fairy-like governess forgives as easily as she flies to anger

 

My Sweet Jane

 

Beauties may stand above her station in their games, their ploys

not mentally

She must be made my equal despite others’ maneuverings

 

My Sweet Jane

 

To hide a dangerous wife in raging insanity, and lose her

to tragedy

Leaves one open to God’s judgment, punishment, wrath

 

My Sweet Jane

 

Her worthy adventures and suitors drive my mind wild

with jealousy

Yet I give up all my pride to have her returned as my helpmate, my soul

 

My Sweet Jane

 

There are days when I awake, blurry-eyed from damage

unbelieving

Until I feel Jane’s hand on my cheek and hear our child’s cry

 

My Sweet Jane