The Longing “O love, you’ve avoided me. Have I not made my sacrifices? Have I not burnt my incense? I’ve said my prayers. I’m dressed in my finest silk. My words are your words, my heart is welcoming, my lips pouting. I wait… and wait… and yet, you keep me waiting. How much longer will you? What more can I do? You can’t blame me for being impatient, it’s been so long. My heart is growing in envy of lovers everywhere. Why have I not found my love… this love that’s meant for me? Is this another trick, a sleight of hand? A make-believe to have me holding on… to test my faith? Damn. I must keep faith. I must keep faith, you said, the ones who’ve laboured must be paid.” G. A. D. Brown