Stay with me for a short time,
Just for a couple of words,
Just for a couple of smilings,
For a couple of easy nods.

Stay with me for a couple of strophes.
I’ll pour two glasses of wine.
The one that, remember, used to prepossess
You and me both for a while.

Stay with me for a short time
For a couple of sportive jests,
For a couple of bootless guitar accords,
For a couple of stupid shy footsteps.

For a couple of silver-tongued tender breathings,
For a couple of sweet and tremulous words.
Stay with me, please, for a short time,
At least for a couple of epochs.