"The most beautiful love is the one that's kept hidden, like a precious secret."

I can hear you in the distance,
Alerted by
The rhythmic pounding
Of your horse's hooves
As they carry you swiftly
Through the mists and darkness
To me.
We are never allowed
Much time together
As you are forever
One step in front of
The duke's minions
That hound you as if
You are a common thief.
They do not care
That the people starve
While obeying
His Grace's dictates
To work ceaselessly
Without recompense,
Thereby keeping him
Well fed and comfortable,
His coffers intact,
At their pathetic expense.
Only you, my love,
In clandestine partnership
With the Franciscan abbey,
Keep the wolves
From their doors.
Like Robin Hood
In centuries past,
You steal only from
His Grace and his ilk,
Giving the yield
To those in need,
Keeping nothing for yourself,
And I fear that one day
One of them will succumb
To desperation or greed
And betray you in turn
For a fortune
In promised silver.
Would they not understand
They will never see
The reward offered
Is done so slyly?
A promise His Grace
Has no intention of keeping?
Do they not know
Their life will be forfeit
At either the Duke's order
Or the hands of those
Whose anger
At the betrayal
Would boil over
Into rage?
Then I see you
Through the mists,
Slowing your mount
With a practiced, uncruel hand
As it breathes heavily,
Vapor puffing
From its delicate nostrils
A result of your hard ride
To reach me.
I watch you dismount
With the inborn grace
Of the natural horseman
And the confidence
Of the generations
Of noble blood
Running through your veins.
Then I am in your arms,
Grateful for your safety
And the gift
Of your passionate
Highwayman's heart.

c. 2024